Caribbean Studies Module 1 - Caribbean Society and Culture PDF

Module 1, Specific Objective 1 Location and Definition of the Caribbean Region and Diaspora: There are Several Definitions of the Caribbean Regions: 1. Geographical. 2. Geological. 3. Historical. 4. Political. 5. Diaspora. Each Definition has Advantages and Disadvant...

Module 1, Specific Objective 1 Location and Definition of the Caribbean Region and Diaspora: There are Several Definitions of the Caribbean Regions: 1. Geographical. 2. Geological. 3. Historical. 4. Political. 5. Diaspora. Each Definition has Advantages and Disadvantages. Each Definition Adds Something Unique about the Caribbean but No Definition is Complete, ie, No Definition Provides an Absolute Definition of the Caribbean since each One has its Limitations. Overview: Geographic Definition: The Core / Central Point is that the Caribbean Sea is the "Common Denominator". It deals with all Above the Surface. Eg. Landforms, Rivers. Geological Definition: The Subterranean Earth is Inspected in terms of Geological Evolution: The Formation and the Crustal Dynamics of the Caribbean Region. Historical Definition: The History of the Caribbean is a Shared Commonality between the Caribbean Nations. The Historical Definition Encompasses Geographical, Geological, Political and Diasporical Definitions and is hence the most Complete of all the Definitions The Historical Definition Factors in all of the Major Historical Events from Pre-Colombian to Now, ie, all of the Catalytic Events that Shaped the Caribbean to what it has become. Among these are: 1. Migration: Movement of People to a New Area or Country in order to find Work or Better Living Conditions. 2. Colonisation: The Process of Settling among and Establishing Control over the Indigenous (Native) People of an Area. 3. Imperialism: A way of Governing in which Large / Powerful Countries seek to Extend their Authority beyond their Own Borders. 4. Labour Systems. 5. Cultural Impact: Economic and Political. Political Definition: This Seeks to Examine the Impacts of Organised Governmental Structures in the Evolution of the Caribbean. An Assessment of how European Politics Leads to Political Diversity, Political Structures, Nationalism and even Political Models that Exist Today. Diasporical Definition: This Seeks to Evaluate and Understand how the Movements of People Overtime have Affected the Caribbean Society Socially, Culturally and Racially. The Diasporical Definition is Based Upon an Appreciation that the Caribbean is a Plural Society with Unique Benefits and Challenges. In Depth: Geographical Definition: The Caribbean Lies in the Latitudes of 2oN to 24oN. The Southerly part of the Caribbean Begins in South America with Suriname on the Mainland and the Northerly part of the Caribbean Ends in Turks and Caicos. One of the Primary Features of the Geographic Caribbean is the Archipelagic Nature of the Islands. An Archipelago is a Chain of Islands that is Closely Related at a Subterranean Level. The Archipelago of the Caribbean Stretches between 2 Continents: The North and South American Continent. The Archipelago of the Caribbean has a Unique Geological Foundation that is not Consistent for all Caribbean Territories. The Geographical Caribbean must also include the Isthmus of Panama. The Weather Patterns is also a Factor of the Location of the Caribbean Territories. Generally, the Caribbean is said to enjoy a Tropical Type Climate because we are in a Tropical Region lying between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Even though the Majority Enjoy Tropical Climate, the South American Countries enjoy an Equatorial Climate. Rainfall therefore differs, which Impacts the Flora and Fauna. The Majority of the Caribbean Region has: Dry and Wet Seasons. The Dry Season is from January to May and the Wet Season is from June to December. The Caribbean is Governed by One Prevailing Wind System: The North Eastern Trade Winds. The Trade Winds give Rise to the Hurricane Season. Torrential Rains occur as an effect of these deadly Hurricanes. The Caribbean is thus Susceptible to similar Meteorological Hazards. A Hazard is the term given to a Naturally Occurring Event that Proposes a Potential to cause Damage. A Disaster is when the Hazard has Impacted upon the Society. Temperatures Range from Low Twenties to Mid Thirties. Rainfalls Vary by Size of Territory, Highlands, Vegetation and Season. One Distinct Feature of the Geographical Definition is the Body of Water that is Contained by the Archipelago and the Isthmus of Panama: The Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean should be every area that the Caribbean Sea touches but this is not so (Eg. Barbados, Turks and Caicos). Historical Definition: The Most Complete Definition. It Truly Engages all Countries we Consider Caribbean since the Islands share a Common History. History has Impacted the Past and still is Impacting on us today, thus, the Events Range from Pre-Amerindian to Current. Migration of Amerindians into the Caribbean took place starting at the South American Mainland, from the Isthmus of Panama and Florida. Historically, the Caribbean was Populated by Migration, and this still Continues on Today since People are Constantly Moving Into / Out of the Caribbean in Seek of Enhanced Opportunities. Overtime, several Migratory Movements have been Noted: European, Forced African Migration, East Indian and Chinese coming to provide labour. Also, there would have been several Labour Organizations: 1. Repartimiento (Amerindian). 2. Encomienda (Amerindian). 3. Slavery (African). 4. Indentureship (Chinese, East Indian, Whites). All these Labour Systems were Triggered by European Imperialism. In order for the Europeans to Gain Control of the New Land, European Policies and Politics had to be Superimposed. Therefore, the Historical Definition is an "Umbrella" of the Political and Diasporic Definitions. Political Definition: Formal Politics Entered the Caribbean in 1492 with the Spanish Coming. The Discovery of New Lands Triggered a Wave of Exploration until 1502. These Expeditions led to Ownership of the New World (Canada to Chile) Territory. The Europeans came with an Attitude of "Ownership.". The Intentions of the Europeans were to Exploit the New World. Their Policies therefore became Exploitative. The Goal of the Europeans was to take from the New World to make them Wealthier. The Exploitations that began in the 15th Century became a Legacy that lasts even until this day. The Tremendous Amount of Wealth being extracted from the New World led to other European Nations fighting for the New World. They began to Challenge Spain for this Wealth. By the end of 1503, there were 4 European Countries (Spain, England, Holland, Portugal) Fighting to get a Foothold in the New World. European Politics and Policies thus entered the New World. Policies made Governance real; to bring Change. One of the 1st major policies regarding the Caribbean is the "Treaty of Tordesillas, 1494". This Referenced the Roman Catholic Nations of Europe: Spain and Portugal. At that time, the Roman Catholic Church was the Powerhouse. The Treaty States that the Pope came in to Resolve Problems with Spain and Portugal. The Pope Agreed that the Wealth should be Shared between Spain and Portugal. He drew an Imaginary Line 2,193 kilometres to the West of the Cape Verde Islands, gave Portugal the Land to the East of this Line, and gave Spain the land to the West of this Line. This Treaty was Signed at Tordesillas, which is how the Treaty got its Name. This is why Brazil is Portuguese (2 nd Formal Political Power in the Caribbean: Brazil). Repartimiento Labour System and Encomienda became Policies Crafted by European People to Pursue Wealth. Repartimiento: This is Translated to "The Requirement" in English. It was a Superimposed Agreement Crafted by the King of Spain which Required Amerindians to Work for him as his Subjects. This Labour Policy caused: Exploitation, Repression and Inhumanity. The Repartimiento lead to Genocide of the Amerindians. There was no Emphasis on Taking Care of the Amerindians (Since they were "Extra" {Originally, the Spanish Searched for Wealth and then Found them as well} and thus Easily Replaceable) 1492  Discovery of the New World. 1494  Tordesillas 1512  Laws of Burgos The Laws of Burgos Stated that the Ill-Treatment of the Amerindians would no Longer Occur. The Laws of Burgos was a Policy that came into Effect since the Repartimiento nearly Killed all the Amerindians. Bartolomew De Las Casas spoke to the King of Spain and the Repartimiento ended. Encomienda: This is a Spanish Labour Policy that came after the Repartimiento in 1512. It Differed from the Repartimientoi Theory; not Practice. The Enconiendero (Creator of the Encomienda) was Responsible for Turning Amerindians to the "One True Faith." It was a Continued Exploitation. The Spanish Monarch Decided that the Native Population should be Divided amongst Spaniards, who had the Right to Extract from them Forms of Tribute: Produce, Gold or Personal Service. In Return, the Spaniards would Guarantee Religious Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. In Reality, the Amerindians were Treated as Slaves and put to Work in the Mines. They Quickly Died from Hunger, Overwork, Harsh Punishments, European Diseases and Suicide. The System of Production was a "Get Rich-Quick" Scheme where Resources were taken from a Conquered People By Forced Labour and sent to Spain to Increase Spain's Power and Prestige in Europe. The Encomienda Lasted only a Few Years. In 1518, the Asiento Marked the Permission by the King of Spain to Bring in African People to Work in the Caribbean. In 1518, the Africans were the 3 rd Set of People in the New World. In the Course of European Labour Policies, the Labour Vacuum Triggered the Importation of New People. The Africans were the First to come in. After they were Emancipated in 1830s, another Vacuum Began: The East Indians. The Interlopers: European Nations (except Portugal) became Jealous of Spain's "Get Rich Scheme." Thus, a new Challenge Arose to Spain's Ownership of the New World. An Interloper is a Person who Interferes in the Affairs of Others. The Interlopers (England, France, Holland) Challenged Spain and hence, European Politics and Animosities Entered the New World. Warfare in the Caribbean Occurred and Territories Changed Hands; Leading to Political Turmoil. Because of the Interlopers, there have been Several "Parents" of the Nations, ie, Changing Hands of the Territories (Eg. Trinidad  From Spanish to French to English, Until it Settled Down Today). We are Justified in Saying that there is a Diversity of Political Structures Present in the Caribbean. Eg. There are Political Democracies and even Colonies such as Montserrat. British Territories: Westminster Whitehall Parliamentary Democracy. French: Departements. Breakdown of Political Affiliations: Country. Caribbean Islands Associated with the Country. Netherlands Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao (ABC Islands) Suriname, St. Eustatius. French Martinique, Haiti, French Guyana, Guadeloupe. England Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Belize. Spain Cuba, Dominican Republic. United States Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands. What Began 500 Years ago in Political Control, still Continues today. Even though there are Independent Countries / Republics (Eg. Trinidad and Tobago), we are still Controlled by European Politics. Social and Cultural Dynamics are Influenced by European Social and Cultural Norms. Therefore, we were Controlled Politically by things such as European Politics, Religions and Languages. The Political Systems such as British Democracy, French Departements and Associated States (Puerto Rico) Displayed that we have Borrowed Forms of Government from them. The Interlopers became Formalized in the New World when Spain Conceded Its Monopoly. In 1605, a Political Treaty called the "Treaty Of London" Stated that Spain gave up their Privileges to the New World. However, Spain Held on to the South American Territories and the Greater Antilles (Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico). Spain wanted the Greater Antilles because they contained Resources: Gold and Silver namely. Diasporic Definition: "Diaspora" Implies the Movement of People. With this, there is Inevitable Movement of Social and Cultural Elements from One Place to Another. The Caribbean had several Migratory Movements from South Africa, Europe and Asia and this led to a Racially Diverse Reality in the Caribbean today, Known as "Cultural Plurality". Cultural Pluralism is a term Associated with the Cultural Diversity Resulting from European Colonizations when Different Groups were Brought Together either Forcibly or Under Contract. In a Plural Society, There are Two or More Ethnic Groups who Share the Same Space and Interact Regularly. Racial Diversity Leads to even more Pluralisation through Hybridization. It is True to say that in a Post Emancipation Context, there has been a Greater Level of Outward Diasporic Movement. Diaspora Deals with Movement in and out of a Country. Previous to all of the Labour Systems, there have been African, Chinese and East Indians Diaspora. Today, there is only an Outward Moving Diaspora. This is because when they Leave the Caribbean, they are no Longer "African, Chinese, East Indian" but they have Created their own Identity as "Caribbean People". Geological Definition: The Geological basis of the Caribbean expresses great diversity as there are several factors responsible for the formation of Caribbean territories. The Caribbean is comprised of mainland, continental territories, volcanic islands, coral islands and uplift islands. The Caribbean can be broken up into parts or regions using a geographical basis. In the Caribbean, there are certain groups created due to Geological Action, which may coincide with Political Factors. Eg. The Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, Netherlands Antilles, South American territories, Central American territories, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos  All have different geological action. The Greater Antilles are estimated to be older than the Lesser Antilles (Greater Antilles  60-90 million years old, Lesser Antilles  40 million years old). Age is too far apart to be the same thing. The Greater Antilles were formed out of Tectonic Movements (Folding and Faulting) on a scale more than the Lesser Antilles. Plate Tectonic Theory: The Earth is made up of several layers that differ in temperature and viscosity. At the centre, there is a super hot core of metal that gradually cools and forms an outward layer which is firm and cool. Plate Tectonics suggests the crustal shell is broken up in several places and allow movements due to internal convection currents. Movements involve plates moving in relation to each other, resulting in different plate margins: Convergent: Plates move in opposite direction and cause Destruction. Divergent: Plates move away from each other and are Constructive. Transform: Plates Slip past each other. The Caribbean Plate is an Oceanic Plate. It is bound on all sides by much larger, older and denser plates. Due to the number of neighbouring plates, the Caribbean lies in a very active area. This can be catastrophic in human society. The Caribbean is thus susceptible to Earth Activity, Volcanic Eruption and Tsunamis. The Lesser Antilles consist of Inner and Outer Arcs of islands that coincide with the Plate Boundaries. The Inner Arc is Volcanic in nature and the Outer Arc is Limestone in nature. Because there are two different Geological Bases, the Geological Nature will be different. The Inner Arc possess Volcanic Features such as Dormant and Active Volcanoes, Sharp Relief, High Mountains, Rich Black Volcanic Soil, Little or no Continental Shelf and Primary or Secondary Volcanic Features. The Geological Basis is important for Social and Cultural affiliations. Eg. Due to the Volcanic Nature of some islands, there is Volcanic Tourism. Hot Springs and Sulphur Springs form part of Health Tourism in Guyana. The Pitch Lake in Trinidad contains sulphur which aids in treat arthritis. The Outer Arc of Islands is more westerly, hence, there was a different geological origin. The Outer Arc of Islands is Emergent Islands: They came out of the Sea over 10 million years ago due to convergence of American Plates. Because of the slow emergence, it facilitated the formation of Coral Islands on underwater Plateaus. The Tectonic Nature of the Caribbean has resulted in the formation of Volcanic and Limestone features. This is exclusively for the Lesser Antilles. The Caribbean has several active volcanic sites and earth movements that occur in the Greater Antilles. Major Earthquakes in the Caribbean: 1. Fort Royal: Old Capital of Jamaica destroyed in 1602. 2. Kingston: 1907. 3. Kingston: 1957. 4. Haiti: 2010. Earthquakes are centered on Greater Antilles in the Northern part of the Caribbean. The Kick em' Jenny volcano threatened recently. Hence, the Caribbean Plate is a very active plate and it is surrounded by four major, denser tectonic plates. The Dominican Passage separates the Leeward Islands (French) from the Windward Islands (English). The Dominican Passage is a virtual, linguistic and political division. "Leeward: and "Windward" have nothing to do with "Winds". There are two submarine geological structures that mark the Caribbean Plate: The Caiman Trough and the Puerto Rico Trench. The Puerto Rico Trench is estimated to be 8400 metres deep due to folding. The deep waters attract special fish since they prefer these territories. Sport Fishing begins and this attracts Tourism while other people benefit from the creation of jobs. Module 1, Specific Objective 2 The Historical Process Migratory Movements and Settlement Patters from Pre-Colombian Times: There are several different major migrations that took place over time. To best examine this, one should look at large periods of time. Pre Columbian: This is before Christopher Columbus. The Caribbean is said to be populated due to movement from South America and Central America. The New World came to be populated due to movements of the Asiatic (Asian) People from Bering Land Bridge. The first people to populate the Americas were believed to have migrated across the Bering Land Bridge while tracking large animal herds. The first Americans migrated into North America from Asia more than fourteen to twenty thousand years ago via an overland route across the frozen Land Bridge. The bridge formed ice due to long periods of icy weather. This puts a pre-dominant characteristic on the New World. Migration thus became a pattern. The oldest known remains in the Caribbean were found in Rock Road, Penal, Trinidad (Banwarie Man). He was about 7000 years old. The first group of people found was called the Ciboney and they primarily existed in the Lesser Antilles. The next known migration was the Tinos (Note: Arawak is the language.) and the last group of Amerindians was the Kalinagos (Caribs). Their movement was from around 1000 BC. The Tinos primarily inhabited the Greater Antilles and the Caribs inhabited the Lesser Antilles. When the Europeans first came, they met the Tinos. The large concentration of Tinos in the Greater Antilles meant more labour for Europeans. The Caribs were "war like" in nature. The Caribbean was hence named after the "Caribs". The Tinos people were able to achieve a high level of cementary living in contrast to the Caribs who were still moving. The Tinos had a very Dependable Advanced Scientific Agricultural Practice. One of their main crops was the cassava. The Kalinagos were very fierce people and often times exploited Tinos. They would capture Tinos people for sacrifice (Eating them for Ceremonial Purposes). The Kalinagos became a major part of European history because they resisted European Oppression much more than the Tinos. The Caribs introduced a sense of Resistance, Resilience and Rebellion into the Caribbean Socio-Cultural Spectrum. This lasts even till this day. The Amerindians suffered under Europeans and this then led to Genocide of the Amerindians at the hands of the Europeans. The Amerindians would have succumbed due to one way or the other: 1. Diseases brought by Europeans: Amerindians were initially isolated from diseases ravaging Europe as they were no Influenza in the New World. After interaction with the Europeans,  some Amerindians died due to STDs, and Air Borne Diseases. These diseases wrecked havoc on the Amerindians. 2. Wars of European Conquest: Amerindians defended their homes. The Europeans, however, had advanced metal, guns and gunpowder. The Amerindians were totally annihilated and they died. 3. War Animals: Eg. Dogs, Horses let loose on Amerindians. The military might of the Europeans far exceeded that of the Amerindians. 4. Destruction of Food Supplies: Corns and Potatoes were destroyed by the Europeans and the Amerindians starved to death. 5. Slavery in the Mines: Repartimiento or Encomienda. 1492: This year signalled a turning point in history. It is the year of "Discovery". There was a Superimposition of a Eurocentric / Ethnocentric Attitude of Ownership, Domination and Exploitation upon the Caribbean since the Caribbean was described as being inferior. The New World opened up avenues for European Wealth Exploitation. Europeans look upon the New World with the attitude of Ownership. This becomes a Pattern / Legacy that goes on in the Caribbean today. In the Pursuit of Wealth, Labour Systems (Eg. Repartimiento, Encomienda) become necessary. The 3rd major movement into the Caribbean was the African Forced Movement preceded by the Europeans and Amerindians, in the year 1518. More and more Ethnicities created a Plural Society and this becomes a Legacy. There were more European Nations in the Caribbean. New Political Powers and new Races meant that the Social and Cultural Reality of the Caribbean began and remains in a Diversified Manner. African Slavery firstly existed in Brazil. The Portuguese brought the first major Plantation type Crop: Sugar Cane. Although Brazil isn't a Caribbean country, Slavery and Agriculture became a Paradigm in the Caribbean. Spain used their Slaves for Mining while the French, British and Dutch used their Slaves for Agriculture. 1807: In this year, there was the creation of the Abolition Act. This ensured closure of the Slave Trade, meaning, no more African Slaves were brought. However, it does not mean the End of Slavery. The Current Slaves, as well as Children of those Slaves, remained Slaves. 1834: The Apprenticeship Program started. This was considered the Transition Phrase from Slavery to Freedom. Elements of both Freedom and Slavery were contained. The Apprentice had to work 40 hours of the week for the Master and the Master pays him in return. This, to the Africans, was a Perpetuation of Atrocities as harsh Working Conditions and terrible Personal Treatment didn't change. The Apprenticeship program was the beginning of the end of Slavery. 1838: The Passage of the Emancipation Act was signed. This is the freedom of African Slaves. For the 2 nd time, a Labour Vacuum was created for the New World. There were Two Types of Movements taking place: African People moving out while Chinese People were moving in. Chinese were the first Asians, followed by East Indians. Because they were Emancipated, Africans began to move away from the Plantations. They sought opportunities in places such as Brazil, Panama, Venezuela, Cuba and Guyana (Larger places with more land). Additionally, the Africans, after Emancipation, were seeking land to hide from the Europeans. They started a Self-Sufficient Type Living; creating a new group in the Caribbean called the Peasantry. The Africans resisted European control. The Coco Penòl comes to fill a labour vacuum left by the Africans in the Cocoa fields. These people were typically "Red"  A mixture of White and African. 6000 – 4000 B.C.  Amerindians into the Caribbean. 1492  Europeans into the Caribbean. 1518  Africans moved into the Caribbean by force. 1838  Africans out of the Caribbean (1st Outward Caribbean diaspora). 1838  Chinese Indentureship into the Caribbean. 1838  Coco Penòl from Venezuela into the Caribbean. 1845  East Indians into the Caribbean. There are Sociological Impacts (How People Think, Live, Operate) across the Caribbean due to Movements into, out of or between Caribbean Countries. Because the Europeans had the reigns of Power Overtime, they would have influenced the Social, Institutional and Cultural Norms and Frameworks. Social Institutions, which comprises of Culture, are the big ideas that people use to structure their lives. Because of European Social Institutional and Cultural Norms, Cultural Imperialism was formed. Due to the White Man's Power and Ability to Dominate and Oppress, his Culture and Habits become perceived as "Superior". As the saying goes, "What is White is Right, What is Black is Blank." The number of Inputs into the Caribbean creates many Variables that are still being worked out: Socially and Culturally. Sociological Phenomena Operating in the Caribbean Today: Sociological Phenomena Definition Cultural Imperialism The practice whereby a Dominant Culture (usually a Technology Superior Group) attempts to promote their own Culture and Belief over that of Another (Usually a Country with Fewer Resources). Hybridization The Fusion of two or more groups of People or Cultural Practices to produce a New Entity with Elements of each of the Parent Influences. Eg. Mixed Ethnic Groupings. Creolization The Meeting and Mixing of Cultures to produce something new out of the Fusion. Transculturalation Cultural Change involving the Whole Society, sometimes due to Political Upheavals. The steady import of enslaved Africans into the Caribbean drastically altered all aspects of Society and Culture. Interculturation The Cultural Mixing that occurs in a Plural Society where Ethnic Groups may live with Limited Mixing yet elements of their Cultures become Incorporated into each other's way of Life. Syncretism The Mixing of Cultural Practices from different Ethnic Groups to create a Hybrid or a different Entity Fusing Aspects of the Original Practices. Eg. Musing, Culinary Arts, Religion. Cultural Pluralism Different Cultural or Racial Groups in a Society mixing only to a certain extent, with limited Social and Cultural Integration. Cultural Diversity Different Ethnic Traditions (Evident in Race, Language, Religion, Customs, Family Practices) found in one Society or Religion. Cultural Erasure Practices that have died out or are dying out. Enculturation The process of Socialization that Enable (or coerce) us to learn the ways of life of a Cultural Group. Assimilation The Absorption of a Cultural Group into the Norms and Values of a Dominant Group through Acculturation. Acculturation is the imposition of a dominant's group way of life on another group. Socialization The Process whereby Members learn to be Human; they learn the Rules that Society has devised for Living and Interacting in Society. Social Stratification / Social Stratification is the ranking of Social Groups according to Wealth, Social Mobility Status and Prestige. Social Mobility is the Movement of an Individual or a Group from one Socio-  Economic Class to another, usually higher up in the System of Social Stratification. Class Consciousness and Classism is the Belief or Attitudes that relegate Persons to Limited Options or Classism; Colour Portray them Negatively because of their Socio-Economic Class. Consciousness. Socio-Economic and Political Models being Hybridized. Social Institutions A set of Valued Ideas and Beliefs which varies from one Society to another and from which Members create their Social Organizations. Social Organizations Arrangements that Society makes to carry out its Basic Functions and which are based on the Ideas and Beliefs of its Social Institutions. Eg. The ideas a society has about Religion may be reflected in Organizations such as Churches. Material Culture The Objects that a Group produces and which differ significantly from the Material Culture of other groups. Eg. Clothing, Art, Tech. Products. Non-Material / Symbolic The Ideas, Beliefs, Values, Assumptions and Behaviours of a People. Culture Race Politics The Practice of Politicians exploiting the issue of Race to forward an Agenda. Formation of Minorities: A Minority Group is a group, usually an Ethnic Group, that may or may not Sub-Cultures and be Numerically Inferior to a more Dominant Group, which Limits their Alienated Groups Access to Education, Employment, Land and other Rights. They have no Political Power and their Values and Traditions are Marginal to the Society. Subculture is a smaller Group within the Mainstream who is Distinguished by Characteristics and Values that set them apart. Class, Gender, Political Affiliation, Sexual Orientation, Religious Minority and Age are the bases for kinds of Subculture. The previous Phenomena couldn't exist without Migration. There are Legacies of European Intervention and currently pose Development Challenges today. Movement out of the Caribbean: This has always been stimulated by the Desire for Better Opportunities. The 1st movement out of the Caribbean was by the Africans in 1838. After 1838, there have been several other Movements out of the Caribbean such as: Building of Panama Canal (1900 Onward), World War One (1915 – 1920) and World War Two (1939 – 1945). In more recent times, such as the 1980s and 1990s to the more present day, people have been Seeking Opportunities in the Metropolitan Nations. 1838 and the Peasantry became Significant; as this signals the beginning of the Movement towards Independence. This Movement lasted for more than 100 years. 1838 witnesses the Importation of Chinese Labourers. They went to Larger Territories as Africans would have been moving away from Plantations and since the Smaller Territories have little place for settlement. Chinese Labour lasted from 1838 onward but there was a Major Shift to East Indians in 1845 because Chinese weren't able to cope with the Rigors of Plantation Work. During the Outward Movement Time, Caribbean People were starting Diasporic communities wherever they went. Consider the post Cuban Revolution. This trigged a Diasporic community as large numbers of Cubans were moving into Miami in 1959. This created a Clearly Defined Sub-Cultural Identity. Slavery and Plantation: Slavery was meant to fill the Labour Vacuum caused by the Genocide of the Amerindians. African Diaspora followed to fill the space. The Amerindians had the Repartimiento and Encomienda Labour Systems while the Africans had the Slavery Labour System and Agriculture Business Model. Slavery advances the Imperialistic Thrust so Europeans can make as much Money as possible. Slavery and the Plantation System were part of the Capitalist Economic Structure. Capitalism is an Economic Way of thinking to get as much money as possible. Slavery becomes a Unique Way of Increasing the Profit Margin. Labour is Bought (until Death) instead of Regular Payment for Services. As an Economic Structure, Capitalism prospered. African Slavery and Oppression is a Perpetuation of what was started by the Amerindians. It is a Continuation of Domination. African Slavery began in 1518 in the New World. With Slavery, there is further Pluralisation of the Socio- Cultural Caribbean since there is importation of Material and Non-Material Culture. Diversity of Culture has a Long Lasting Effect that lasts today. African Culture has Impacted more than any other Culture, besides European Culture. There was need for the Removal of African Identity (Cultural Erasure) for Domination; else the Africans may have Rebelled. The European went about Brainwashing African people and slowly, but surely, and in its place, putting in their own Pseudo Norms and Values. There is now Cultural Supplantation. This leads to the Creation of many Identity Problems in the African People; leading to Hybridization. The Africans were Herded; there were no Socialization and no Opportunity for Individuality. This was Dehumanization. The Plantation existed in the Southern part of America all the way down to Argentina. Via the Plantation, New Crops (Eg. Sugar Cane, Cotton, Oranges) became a Cultural Spectrum that goes on till this day. Some Crops become Synonymous with their country. Eg. Cuba has tobacco, Trinidad has World Famous Cocoa. Crops became part of the Caribbean Peoples' Identity. Plantations became important for the Economies. The Plantation was based upon a clearly defined Structure of Hierarchy and Rank. The Pyramid Structure of the Plantation: The Plantation Structure becomes a Rigidly Divided Economic / Business Structure, hence, Divisions between Groups. This is known as Social Stratification. Social Mobility and Social Stratification are Directly Intertwined. The factors listed above become a major part of the Caribbean with the Plantation. Education becomes the major Social Mobility and Social Stratification factor due to Competitiveness. A Plethora of Social problems and Divisions then started. Classisms are the form of classes based on certain variables. The Plantation Ideology and Pre-Occupation of the Caribbean still permeates in the Caribbean Society today in terms of Treatment of People. The Plantocracy is also proposed to exist in Political Structures today. Social Stratification is Regulated and Policed within the Plantation Structure with no Group encouraged to ride beyond their Station. The Plantation is Restricted to Upward Social Mobility. Slavery and Plantation introduced Colour Consciousness. There is a Preference for White people while Dark Pigmented Skin is associated with Inferiority, and Unattractiveness. There is already a Pre-Established Way of Judging People. Many Sociological Phenomena become part of our Identity due to the Plantations: 1. Social Stratification. 2. Pluralization of Society. 3. Addition of Material and Non-Material Elements. 4. Cultural Diversity. 5. Cultural Imperialism. 6. Colour Consciousness or Pigmentocracy. 7. Culture Erasure. 8. Social and Cultural Tension. 9. Fear of Authority. 10. Mis / Dis Trust of Power. 11. Hybridization and Syncretism. 12. Enculturation. 13. Acculturation. 14. Assimilation. 15. Social Mobility. People of Colour were branded with Inferiority. They spent their lives trying to get away from that Stigma. People are always seeking to improve Social Mobility and this Influences Diaspora. Easily Observed Legacies of the Plantation in the Caribbean Today: 1. Patterns of Settlements and Patterns of Towns: Laid out according to Plantations. 2. Monocrop Agriculture: Many Caribbean countries depend on this for the Gross National Product (G.N.P.). Eg. Sugar Cane earns about 60% of Guyana`s G.N.P. 3. Multi-Ethnic / Multi-Racial Societies: Due to Importations of Labour from Different Parts of the World. 4. Division of Societies: Europeans invented the Divide and Conquer Strategy. Groups were always weary of each other. It is the same for Mis / Dis Trust. 5. Racial and Cultural Intolerance. 6. Cultural Imperialism: Eg. Everything European is Superior while everything Black is Inferior. There are Two Dimensions: Psychological and Economic. 7. European Social Institutions: Eg. Language – There is no Language which is seen as Standard that is Caribbean. Dress Code, Political and Legal Structures, Education and Language are all European in Nature. The Plantation and Capitalism are responsible for Economic Underdevelopment. The Plantation takes the Wealth from the Caribbean and carries it to the Europeans.  8. Social Stratification: Distinct and Numerous Divisions, Sub-Divisions, Classes and Groups. The same Pyramid Structure exists today, except it has been Expanded. 9. Hybridization. Post Emancipation: There is no longer Importation of Africans in the Caribbean. However, the Labour of Africans remains an Important Commodity. In the Post-Emancipation era, there are lots of Issues occurring at the same time: 1. Formation of Peasantry. 2. Indentureship. 3. Wage and Labour Upheavals. 4. Riots and Political Disturbance. Indentureship: This is not restricted to only Eastern People (Chinese and East Indians). Even during African Slavery, there was Indentureship. Indentureship was a Program of Labour that existed in the New World and Europe. It can be described as a Policy where a Person signs a Contract; Selling his Labour for a Period of Time, at the end of which, he is Paid. At the end of Slavery, a Labour Vacuum was left and East Indians and Chinese came to fill this. During 1838 - 1845, a large amount of Chinese came from Guangdong Province in Southern China. The Chinese went mainly to the larger Caribbean Islands (Eg. Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Suriname, Greater Antilles) since those are the areas where the African Labourers Abandoned and fled to the Jungles. This began the Peasantry (Evolution). Chinese came from Singapore, Malaysia, and Java. This signals the 4 th major Diasporic movement into the Caribbean. In every new Labour Group, Socio - Cultural Pluralisation becomes as Material and Non- Material elements are brought. African Labourers were moving away from the Plantation and leaving certain Territories in search of better Opportunities in the Region. During the Post-Emancipation era, they went to Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela. They sought places with Large Scale Projects (Eg. Panama) and places with Better Wages / Land (Eg. Cuba). This was the 1st Outward Diasporic Movement. Three Reasons why Africans left the Caribbean: 1. They couldn't tolerate the Ongoing Oppressive Labour System. 2. They were Restricted from Owning Land. 3. Large Territories were offering Better Wages. Later on, Indentured Labourers came from India. Just like the Chinese, East Indians brought Material and Non-Material Elements to add to the Socio-Cultural Spectrum in the Caribbean. Like every other Group, the Indentures had their Impact on the Caribbean Reality of today. This resulted in a Chinese and East Indian Presence. These Persons would have an Impact on the Cultural Ideologies of today. Additionally, Hybridization added to the Socio - Cultural Spectrum. This led to the Caribbean being characterized as being a Hybrid-Socio-Cultural Reality. Evolution of the Peasantry: The Peasantry was Important in the Socio-Cultural Evolution of the Caribbean. It represents a Transition group between the Plantation and Independence. The Peasantry becomes a Catalyst towards Independence. This embodies an Aggressive Desire for Freedom. The Treatment of the Liberated African Slaves was a Perpetuation of Inhumanity and Injustice. So, they Abandoned. Africans, even after Emancipation, Maintained a level of Mis / Dis trust. Africans initiated an Attitude of Distrust for the Social Institutions of Europe. They realized that the Law and Justice suited the Europeans. They saw how Christianity was meant to Brainwash them. The European Social Institutions were meant to be Exploitative and Oppressive. Because of the African Peasantry, an attitude of Resistance and Resilience develops within them that still occur today. The Peasantry has to seek Opportunities to achieve Economic Independence, ie, they have to make their own Money. They entered into Entrepreneurial Activities such as Sole Trading and Selling their Labour for a Wage while Working for Companies. Sole Trading Activities include a Broad Spectrum: Bakery, Carpenters, Fast Food Businesses. Many Africans worked as Handymen, or even working in the Docks. They sold their Labour as they recognized that their Labour has Worth. They didn’t want to go back to the Plantations as it was Associated with Oppression. The African Women would be Sewing, Washing Laundry and even partaking in Culinary Action. Many Africans went to the Outskirts of Towns and Squatted. Eg. In Trinidad: Sealots, Belmont, San Juan, Laventille, Betham are all squatting areas that occurred in a Post-Emancipation era. Because of the end of Indentureship, East Indians found the largest estates in places such as Siparia and Tunapuna. The Africans found ways to Pool their Resources to form Economic Institutions. Eg. Susu (Savings and Loans) aka Partner (In Jamaica) and Box (In Guyana and Barbados). This allows Africans to Circumvent European Institutions, ie, they become Independent of the Banks. This becomes the Basis of Resistance and Rebellion. Susu becomes Important in the Acquisition of Land. That carried a little bit of Trickery, since the Europeans didn’t want to sell lands to Africans (They didn’t want Africans owning anything). So, the Africans used the Church as a Vessel to undergo Negotiations. In a Post-Emancipation era, Africans moved away from Christianity. However, Christianity was a means of owning Land, so, they moved back to Organized Christian religion. The Church also benefitted as it was fulfilling the Main Objective of Spreading the Gospel. The Africans got the White Missionaries to buy the land for them and then the Church re-distributed the land to Africans who paid. Eg. Rio Claro, Mayaro, San Juan, Maracas Valley. The Church was happy to get a Congregation. The Susu allowed the Africans to get Personal Independence from European Power and Authority. The Peasantry becomes Responsible for Culture Creation. The Peasantry formed Communities based upon Values: Trust and Cooperation. These are known as the "Peasant Values" or the "Long-Time Values." The Peasants are associated with the Hinterlands. The Hinterlands were places that were Cheap to Buy (Eg. Forests, Swamps). During the early 19 th century, United States of America was experiencing the Internal Civil War. Africans Slaves in the US were Promised Liberty if they fought for the North. They were Promised: Land and Properties. These were known as the "Buffalo Soldiers". However, they were exported out of the US to, for example, Trinidad and Tobago. They formed Company Villages such as in Moruga. Peasants created the Language: The Creole, and the Creative Arts: The Steel Pan. The Steel Pan was an Effort to Regain part of the Africans Historical Legacy. It was part of Hybridization and Creolization. The Steel Pan became part of the Rebellion in the Caribbean. Positive Contributions of the Peasantry: 1. Culture Creation: The Peasantry is a transition from Plantation to Caribbean Free Society. This Group would be tasked with Culture Creation and creating new Interactions, Norms and Beliefs between Peoples. 2. Hybridization of Religion: Africans lost the Majority their Religion when the Europeans Enslaved them. The Europeans took the Fight off the African men when they Removed Religious Activities to a large extent. Religion is seen as a Source of Strength. Additionally, it is a Congregational Activity which allowed a lot of Africans to Gather and Interact. The Europeans Supplanted Christianity as a form of Psychological Control. Christianity was only provided and depicted in ways and means that allowed Europeans to suit their Long term Objective of Control. Even so, the Africans held on to aspects of their West African Beliefs in secret and they still practiced their Beliefs in secret. This means that when there was Emancipation, the Africans were allowed to practice their Religion. However, much was lost overtime.  When they practiced it again, their practices got mixed with Christianity and other Norms. Eg. Spiritual Shouter Baptists practiced their Religion with Loud Singing, Dancing and "Catching of the Spirit". Orisha is another African Religion present in Tobago while there is Rastafarianism in Jamaica, Santeria in Cuba and Brazil and Shango Baptist in Grenada. Hybrid Religion becomes a Basis for Resistance and Resilience since the Europeans couldn't control and predict the African Religion. Those who control Religion, control the People. Religion is used as the Africans Antagonize the European Community. The Africans would not bow to the Europeans. The European Christianity is docile while the Spiritual Shouter Baptist religion is noisier. The Europeans condemned this. The Africans had to resist Stereotypization, as well as Physical, and Psychological Opposition to their Religion. 3. Beginning of Political Consciousness: The Africans wanted to Escape Oppression, Live in Freedom and Live in the Jungles; rather than to Work for a Wage while belonging to someone else and treated as Slaves. Overtime, the Peasants would have formed Groups which had their Seeds in Labour Organizations. The Peasantry, because of Overwhelming Support, would have become a Voice of Resistance. Africans would have had an Understanding of not wanting to be Controlled by Europeans; which is a Political Stance. 4. Formation of Society: There is a Desire to get Freedom; which is shared among Africans. There are Pockets where Families get Together and form a Community; which steadily grows Overtime. The Communities were based upon an Understanding and shared Cultural Interaction. They face Common Challenges, have Common Aspirations and this forms a basis for Co-Operation. 5. Peasant Agriculture / Subsistence Type Farming: This Type of Farming is where a Person lives off a Small Piece of Land and Plants food for Himself / Family. If there are any Extras, there are Sold. Peasant Farming became part of the Cultural Identity of the Caribbean. Peasant Agriculture is primarily important in the Lesser Antilles and Guyana, etc... It formed a Basis for Livelihood and allowed for Economic Enfranchisement. Eg. The Susu allows for Pooling Resources and forming a Basis of Resistance. 6. Music: There were mainly Calypso and Reggae. The Calypso began out of the African Work Song. To keep Rhythm and make Work seem less, the Africans sang Work Songs. The Calypsos utilized these Work Songs but a Change in the Lyrical Content occurred. The Calypso became the Basis for Verbal Assault among the European Power Structures, ie, the Calypsonian uses his Craft to Rebel, Ridicule, and Antagonize the European Powers. Kaiso is a Real Social Commentrary where the Calypsonian uses his Knowledge of Language to "bad talk" Someone. The Lyrics of Kaiso have always been Scathing those who own Power. Up to this day, Kaiso is still practiced. Calypso has moved into "Party" Context while the Kaiso is left to the older Calypsonians. Reggae has the same Origins in the African Work Song. The Music and Intention is similar to Kaiso; to show Authority Figures where they are going wrong and show how people are being Oppressed. Africans created song as a Basis of Coping and Resisting Oppression. The lyrics of the Calypso and Reggae were similar. The Maroon Society stands out as a Sub-Cultural Identity in Jamaica. The Maroon Society was formed by "Run Away" Slaves, hence, the Basis for the Maroon Society is Rebelliance. They created Rastafarianism and Formed / Evolved the Reggae Music. The Cockpit Country was made up of Limestone. Because of Limestone features such as Caves and Caverns, the Cockpit Country produced Protection for some People. The Runaway Slaves kept more of their African Identity than those who remained on the Plantation. The Africans who would have remained on the Plantations have been Assimilated into the European Identity whereas Residents of the Cockpit Country kept their Culture. They Evolved separately from the rest of Jamaica and became an Epitomisation of people to not be Other's Property. Negative Impacts of the Peasantry: 1. Culture of Squatting: The Peasant doesn’t own land. Squatting becomes part of the Settlement Pattern. Squatting was Prevalent outside of the Urban Areas; whether it be Trinidad and Port of Spain or Jamaica and Kingston. There has always been a Concentration of African People. These areas have been Tenured. These areas would be Stereotypically poor. They may be Associated with Uncertain Activities. When these places, Eg. Laventille / Beetham, were Formed, Residents had to find Jobs and when they couldn’t, Criminality was formed. Squatting is a Problem for Private Land Owners and the Government. 2. Cultural Dependency: The Squatter's Beliefs that things were owed to them Increased Problems. This goes hand in hand with Historical Exploitation; as People Lack Initiative. 3. Negative Agricultural Practices: Peasant Farming can take place anywhere. Slash and Burn and Shifting Agriculture are Negative Aspects. This is where Large Areas of Land are Cut Down, used Fertility for about 5 Years and then never used again.  4. Formation of Gangs, Violence, Criminality: Burglary, Prostitution, Drugs were means to "get by". These still occur today. The Culture of Resistance served for the Basis of Caribbean. We resisted European Oppression but Lawlessness still occurs today. Culture of Resistance and Resilience: This is a Historical Feature that began with the Amerindians as they dealt with European Oppression. This started the Resistance and Resilience. There are both: Active and Passive Resistance. Active Resistance requires Participation while Passive Resistance takes steps to do nothing. Active Resistance include: Suicide, Infanticide, Homicide, Maroonage (Bush Negros in Guyana and Maroon Society in Jamaica), Revolt and Rebellion Passive Resistance include: Pretending Illness, Playing Ignorant, Making Music, Economic Structures (Eg. Susu), Pooling Labour, Shared Responsibilities (Eg. Neighbours looking out for each other), Creating of Trade Unions / Labour Organizations, and the Development of Anti-colonial Sentiments. The Peasantry is a vital aspect of the Socio - Cultural, socio - economic and Socio - Political part of the Caribbean Identity today. Examples of Revolt and Rebellion in the Caribbean History: 1. Arena Uprising of 1699: "Arena Massacre" The Amerindians Slaves / Labour were quelled by Spanish Forces. This was the 1st Uprising in the Caribbean. 2. The Haitian Rebellion: Haitai was called "St. Domingue" and this Rebellion took place from: 1791 – 1803. 3. Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865 in Jamaica. 4. Hoosay Riots of 1884: St Madeline, Trinidad. 5. Labour Riots of 1937: Fyzabad, Trinidad. 6. Cuban Revolution of 1959. Factors Affecting the Movement towards Independence: After 1838, there was much turmoil in the Caribbean:  1. Actions of the Peasantries. 2. Abandoning of the Plantations. 3. Impact of Early Education Systems. 4. High Levels of Unemployment. 5. Lack of Opportunities. 6. Impact of Early Education Systems: The Europeans have newly Emancipated Africans education. 7. Formation of Trade Unions and Trade Unrest. 8. Anti-Colonial Sentiments. 9. Lack of Expenditure by Caribbean Governments. 10. Formation of Political Parties (1930s). 11. Diminished Importance of Agriculture: Due to Less Profits. 12. Impact of WW1. 13. Social and Political Lobbying. 14. Impact of WW2. 15. Failure of Federation. 16. Universal Adult Suffrage (1944). People were becoming Literate and this provided a Basis for Logical Argument against European Colonisations. Steps towards Independence: One of the 1st moves in the British West Indies was the Acquisition of a viable Political Model. This was an important step in the British Granting Independence since a Stable Structure to govern oneself was necessary. To achieve this, the British went through a process of Decolonization. The British Government Incrementally gave Power over to Local Government. 1944 marks a huge stepping stone to Internal Self - Government. This is predicated upon the idea that the British Supervise the Transition from Colony to Independent Nation. However, the British were first interested in Federation as opposed to Independence. 1944: i. Internal Self-Government. ii. Federation Ideology. iii. Independence. The Federation was supposed to be an Umbrella Government Institution. This means that there would be a Collective System where all British Colonies would Govern themselves, ie, all Territories would participate with same Laws, Language, etc.. After the Federation failed, there was a Movement towards Independence. This came at a Chaotic Time during the after effects of WW1, a Global Depression and WW2. There were Shortages of Goods, Hunger, Government and Private Workers not being paid their Salary, thus, causing a Labour Riot. The 1940s – 1950s was an Era of Massive Anti-Colonial Action and Anti-Colonial Sentiments. People were organizing themselves into Groups and this gave rise to Seminal Political Parties. Labour Trade Unions go hand in hand with Seminal Political Parties and Political Ideas found confrontation with Colonialism. There was a Growing Black Intelligentsia, meaning, Caribbean People can now recognize themselves Internationally. Because of this, Caribbean nations believed that they were Academically Equipped to deal with Independence. 100 years after Emancipation, the "Black" People were Equipped enough to push for Independence. In the Post-Emancipated era, Emancipated Africans were introduced to Education. 1838 started the Education Process and in 1944, there were enough Educated Caribbean People to strive for Independence. A Growing Anti-Colonial Sentiment  People rather Suffer and Govern themselves. During 1944, European Nations were directing their Money towards the War and neglected the Caribbean, hence, Money was Scarce. In the Caribbean, there are many Political Structures (Refer to Political Definition). Many Ex-English territories are Democracies. Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are Republics. All French Territories are not necessarily Colonies or Independent; They are part of France. Puerto Rico has the Associated States. All these Political Structures were Borrowed or Given from European Nations to Caribbean Nations. In the Caribbean, all Caribbean Nations, even though we have Different Models, are impacted by: 1. Legacies of Conquest: The Genocide of Amerindians. They were Beat Up and Exploited by the Spanish. 2. The Division of the Plantation System: Those who were Fair held power. 3. Stratification: This started in the Plantations. Eg. In Trinidad, there are Clear Divisions in African and Indian parties; the Plantation Perpetuates Division. 4. Plural Society: Governing for all becomes a Problem. A Leader will always be Challenged since whatever Decision is made, is Challenged by a Portion of the Population. 5. Persistent External Influence: Even though we are Politically Independent from USA and UK, we are Economically Dependent since the US and UK have Economic Power. Important Events / Institutions on our way toward Independence represent a transition from one thing to another. The Process towards Independence started from the Abolition of Slavery (1833). This is because the Thought of Slavery entered and as such, Resistance and Resilience started. In 1838, the Emancipation Act allowed the Movement towards Independence. This occurred from 1833 – 1962. It was a Long, Drawn Out, Bloody Exercise. In the Caribbean, the 1 st Organized Political Structure was: The Old Representative System. There would have been a Governor appointed by the King / Queen. The Governor had to be White and had to be Wealthy, have a Well-Known Family name or had "Connections" to be chosen to Represent the King / Queen. He had the Power to Govern the Plantation Economy. The Governor's Role was to promote Economic Stability. The Old Representative System was directed towards White or Plantation Interest. The Crown Colony Rule occurred after. The Local People were participating in Government. A Locally born Governor was chosen and hence, Locally Born Legislative (Local People helped crafted Policies). However, these Governors still reported to the King / Queen. There was a Movement from White Government to Black Government. Internal Self Government followed; co-incidental with Adult Suffrage of 1944. Local Persons formed Political Parties. The Locals created Policies to govern themselves; instead of using the Queen's Policies. This gave transition to the Federation Ideology; which only lasted a few years until 1956. Pre – Requisites for Independence: For Independence, the Imperial Nation required that certain things were in place. The British action in ensuring these things were in place is important for passing on a Viable and Political Model and to make sure "things don't fall flat": 1. Organized Political Structure with Viable Democratic Processes: Creation of Party Politics. 2. Drafting of a Constitution that Governs the Running of the Governmental Structure. 3. Acquisition of a Military: A Nation couldn't depend on the Metropolitan Country to fight their Wars. 4. Self – Efficiency in Food Production. 5. Display a Positive Balance of Payments: This is the Difference between National Income and National Expenditure. A Positive Balance of Payments appears when the Income is more than the Expenditure. 6. The 1st Governmental Structure, The Federation, Failed. Reasons why the Federation Failed:  1. Distance and Communication: There were no Cell Phones and there were Unreliable Landlines. Hence, there was no Collective Decision Making. 2. Lack of Coordinating Development: Some Nations were Wealthier and thus Advanced and Developed faster than Others. 3. Parochialism and Xenophobia: Parochialism is the feeling of Contempt of People of other Nationalities whereas Xenophobia is the Fear of Strangers. 4. Personality Conflicts: There were many Strong Leaders; each a Leader of his own Nation. In the Federation, they had to put away their views and take orders from one man. This didn't work well with everyone. 5. Monetisation of Economies: In order to have a Common Currency, each Nation had to be Theoretically Monetized else Inflation would have occurred. 6. Migration Challenges: People from the Small Islands began to Storm the Wealthier, Larger Nations due to a lack of Opportunities and hence a search for Better Opportunities. Eg. Some People came in Trinidad to work in the Oil and Gas Industry. Module 1, Specific Objective 3 Characteristics of Society and Culture: The concept of Society and Culture can be studied from Two Major Perspectives: 1. Culture of Country or Group. 2. The Individual. Society and Culture, as well as the Physical and Social Environment, play major Roles in Shaping an Individual into who he becomes. This gives Values, Habits and Ambitions to someone. Every individual is Enculturated or Socialised into the Norms, Values and Behaviours of his Environment / Society. Society and Culture can be used Interchangeably, although they have Different Meanings. One of the Key Features of Culture, therefore Society, is that it is Self – Perpetuating. In other words, the Teachings passed on to One Generation will be Passed on to the Successive Generations. Cultures, Attitudes and Values are Self – Perpetuating. Society and Culture are regarded as being Dynamic; constantly Evolving. Habits, Norms, Values and Ways of Thinking slowly change. This is called Cultural Relativism. Even though Culture is always Changing, there is a Thread of Values that Connect each Generation. Society can be explored / defined as:  1. Geographical Perspective of Society: Geographically, Society depends upon a Collection of People sharing a Defined Territorial Space. Eg. Trinidad and Tobago surrounded by Clearly Defined Water Boundaries. People living in these Areas develop Certain Traits. Eg. They develop a Psychological Attachment to the Place: a Feeling of Belongingness, Identity, Inclusive. These Feelings are shared by Everyone in the Territorial Place. This is called a Shared Common Values Systems and it produces a feeling of Citizenship within a Space. Culture is Intangible; a set of Feelings, Values, Attitudes, that may be Unique to your Geographical Area. Every Society may have different Culture. Culture, while it depends on Geographical Society for Creation, it doesn't depend on Society for Perpetuation. Eg. The Large Cuban Society in Florida, Haitian Society in Florida, West Indian Society in New York, London. 2. Society Cultural: Sociological Society depends upon a Collectivity that is based upon a Consensus of Ideas, Beliefs, Values, Principles, Morals and Behaviours that is acceptable to the Group. The Consensus depends on Citizenship as Everyone develops Same Ideas, Beliefs, Values, Principles, Morals and Behaviour. This is regarded as Shared Common Purpose; Everyone thinking the Same. The Sociological Aspect of Society stresses that they must be Social Interaction of People in the Group. This Interaction is possible as people share the Same Set of Ideas. This is known as Non – Material Culture. When Individuals share the same Ideological System, it allows for the formation of Social Groups. The development of Cultural Activities is based upon the values that occur. In any Society, there are Large groups of Ideas. These Ideas become the Programming of an Individual; where the Person  Hardware and Ideas  Software. These Large Groups of Ideas are Social Institutional Ideologies. Eg. Education, Family, Religion, Politics, Economics, Justice Systems. Social Institutions help People in Society: 1. To Organize their Lives. 2. It allows a Platform for Persons to Interact. 3. It allows Commonalities among Individuals. 4. It provides for the Development of Consensuses. 5. It can reduce Division among Individuals. Social Institutions help to add Purpose to our Lives and these are based upon Norms and Values. Four Social Institutions are: 1. Family.  2. Education System. 3. Justice System. 4. Religion. Social Institutions are Intangible; they exist only in the Realm of Ideas. Eg. Education is an Idea. Social Institutions are the most Cherished Ideas in Society. Some Social Institutions evoke even greater levels of Emotional and Psychological Attachment than others. Social Institutions become Internalised; they Inform Behaviour. Because Social Institutions are passed on from One generation to Another, Culture may be regarded as Learnt Behaviour. Culture can only develop when a Group in Society agree that a Social Institution is important. Society provides the Framework upon which Ideas, Culture and Interactions are produced. Culture is dependent upon the passing of values to the next generation. Socialisation: There are 2 kinds of Socialisation: 1. Primary. 2. Secondary. Socialisation is Essential to the Perpetuation of Society. 1. Primary Socialisation: This occurs when a Child is very Young. It is often considered as Personal / Family Oriented Values. 2. Secondary Socialisation: This is associated with Formal Schooling; where an Individual is made aware of the Values that are Important to HIS Society whereas in Primary Socialisation, he learns Values Important to Society. Primary and Secondary Socialisation Coincide and Cause Conflict sometimes. Roles: A Role is a set of Behaviours / Characteristics associated with a Particular Status. A Role dictates what is considered Acceptable and Unacceptable Conduct. A Role is part of Culture Creation. It may said to be dependent on Roles and vice – versa. A Role is a Formula by which a Person Conducts or Lives his Life. If he is Straying from the Formula, it may result in Sanctions. A Role allows Interaction between Members who Share the same Social Institutions. Roles allow for Social Institutions, Working Values and thus become part of one's Culture. Roles Evolve and we see Cultural Relativism. Cultural Relativism is the principle that an individual Human's Beliefs and Activities should be Understood by others in terms of that Individual's own Culture. Culture may be divided into 2 broad Sub – Divisions.  1. Material Culture: These are the Tangible Aspects of People's Customs and Traditions. Eg. Architecture, Food, Food Preparation Techniques, Economic Organizations, Forms Of Technology Unique to them, Games, Musical Instruments, and Music. Material Culture is all the things that one can interact with; even Religious Customs and Language. 2. Non – Material Culture: The Intangible Aspects that are Shared by a People. Eg. Attitudes, Ambitions, Folk Lore (Stories), Religion. Culture may be known in several different ways: 1. A Pattern of Behaviour that is Learnt. 2. A Way of Life. 3. Festivals and Customs. 4. Tradition. 5. A Person's Outlook on Life. 6. Behaviour. Gender Practices: Gender Practices is the Stereotypes created based on Gender. It is People's ways of Thinking about Gender Issues. These Gendered Practices are part of Cultural Identity. In the Caribbean Society, there is an Androcentric Preoccupation, ie, there is a Preference for all Things Male: "It is a Man's World." This creates a Perception that Women / All Things Female are Inferior. A Gender Gap is formed that permeates all things in Society that may lead to Tension / Conflict / Negative Effects. Women are Alienated and Ostracized from being represented in Society. This Negative Attitude towards Women is as old as Time itself and was inherited from the Original Cultures of the East Indian, Africans and Chinese. These Attitudes are even found in Religious Books. Eg. In the Bible, a woman's role is the house – worker. Women's Roles and Possibility of Potential is thus Restricted. Gender Practices are Deeply Entrenched in our Social and Cultural ways of Thinking. Masculinity is Highly Prized and Promoted in the Caribbean. Having said that, there is a High Level of Intolerance for Men who do not display Masculine Properties. These Men are seen as less than Masculine. Girls are Traditionally Restricted to certain Types of Behaviours. Women / Girls are Deprived of Opportunity. There is Inequity in Society. Women's Human Rights are taken away and the rest of Society agrees with this. It can be then said, that, Gender Practices contribute to Dehumanization. Gender Practices become a Developmental Challenge since our Cultural Attitude inhibits what we can obtain as Caribbean Nations. Essentially, our Gender Practices is another example of Social Stratification. A Social Injustice Challenge arises. In the Caribbean Reality, there are several Sociological Concepts that have become part of our Socio – Cultural Identity / Reality: 1. Assimilation: This is when a Group has been totally absorbed into a larger Group; where a Subculture is Lost in the Super - Culture. Assimilation is dependent on Cultural Imperialism. Eg. African and East Indian ways of life was lost and European Norms and Values were put in its Place. Assimilation implies Cultural Erasure and Re – Socialization based on the Dominant Culture, Norms and Values. 2. Cultural Imperialism: This is the situation where the Imperial Nation's Norms, Values and Social Institutional Framework are seen as Superior to One's own Norms and Values. Assimilation therefore becomes easier. 3. Hybridization: Cultural Hybridization is the situation where there is Merging of Cultural Forms whereas Racial Hybridization is the Internal Relationships between two different Races, thus, creating a New Species of Human. Racial Hybridization is a feature of Caribbean Society and Results in: a. Mestizo: Amerindian + European. b. Mulatto: African + European. c. Dougla: African + East Indian. There are varieties of Culture and Races, so, Hybridization results in a Plural Society. 4. Cultural Erasure: This would have taken place during Re – Socialization. Module 1, Specific Objective 4 Identity and Social Formation: Identity can only be formed when one factors in the Tremendous Number of Inputs in the Formation of Culture Creation. The Identity of the Caribbean is characterized by Hybridity. The Caribbean is a combination of Cultures; making us Culturally Unique where we stand out in the rest of the World. The Hybrid and Cultural Inputs that went into the Formation of Societies is the most Defining Feature of the Caribbean. While the Caribbean may be Defined in different ways, the most Definitive Definition that works for all Caribbean Nations is Cultural in Nature. While every Caribbean Nation does have its Cultural Twists (Eg. Accents), the Core Features of Cultural Identity are Shared. However, because of the Nature of the Caribbean being Islands, and therefore Insulated, Caribbean Society tends toward a more Separated View rather than a Cohesive View. In a way, this Insulated View pose Challenges for the Caribbean even today; especially when we consider out Platforms for Development have Failed. Eg. Federations. The Challenge that faces the Caribbean is Changing our Perception from Insularity to one of Acceptance to the Commonalities of our Evolution. The following are the Core, Shared Characteristics of our Social Evolution that are due to our History. There are also Input Factors in the Creation of a Caribbean Identity and Characteristics of Caribbean Society. 1. Discovery. 2. Genocide. 3. Slavery. 4. The Plantation. 5. Mono – Crop Agriculture. 6. Enculturation. 7. Acculturation.  8. Assimilation. 9. Hybridization / Syncretism. 10. Eurocentrism / Ethnocentrism. 11. Cultural Imperialism. 12. Emancipation. 13. Development of the Peasantry. 14. Indentureship. 15. Plural Society and Cultural Diversity. 16. Colonialism. 17. Dependency. 18. Social and Economic Underdevelopment. 19. Social Stratification and Social Mobility. 20. Cultural Retention. 21. Cultural Erasure. 22. Cultural Renewal. 23. Creation of Minorities. 24. Impacts of Globalisation. Cultural Retention: A Conscious Effort by a Minority or Subculture Group to hold on to Elements of its Unique Cultural Identity. Eg. Chinese from the Indentureship Period still speak Tangerine to each other. Cultural Renewal: An Active Effort to Recapture or Promote a Unique Cultural Form. This is usually Applicable where a Cultural Form or Norm is at Risk of being Erased and its Purpose is to Remind Future Generations of the Legacies of the Past. Eg. Tobago Heritage Festival. Minorities and Subcultures: Both Minorities and Subcultures are closely related and are based on the fact that there is Exclusion of Groups in Society. This is formed when these Groups find a place to exist. A Minority can only exist if they have been Accommodated and not Wiped Out completely. Eg. Hybrid Religions: Shouter Baptist (TnT), Myal (Jamaica), Santaria (Cuba). Subcultures and Minorities may exist in Cultural Groups. Eg. The Maroons and Rastafarianism (Jamaica). These have become a Reality because of the Caribbean's Past. The Caribbean has become Hybrid and Plural with many Socio – Logical Issues still at work. Thus, the Caribbean has not reached the Maximum of the Evolution. Since Culture is Dynamic, Globalisation and Impact of Foreign Cultural Ideologies are placing Challenges on the Caribbean Cultural and Social Reality. The Process of Hybridization (Syncretism) is Continuous. In the Caribbean, one of the most Important Concepts that Impacted on the Cultural Reality is the Plantation. The Plantation: The Plantation is the Most Recognizable Institution that Impacted on the Socio – Cultural Reality. The Plantation becomes a Reality due to a Labour Vacuum created by the Death of the Amerindians. Previous to this, there was Amerindian and European Plurality. Then, came the Africans which created Racial Complexity. The Plantation is based upon a Rigid System of Social Stratification. The System is divided upon certain Principles. Race and Colour becomes part of Social Stratification. Colour of Skin introduces: Pigmentocracy; allowing Social Upward Mobility. Wealth, Money and Property were equal to Power. Pigmentocracy  Persons of Fairer Complexion enjoyed More Prestige and Wielded More Power in Society. Social Stratification and Social Mobility Factors / Agents: 1. Race and Colour of Skin. 2. Pigmentocracy: Hybrid  Colour Consciousness. 3. Wealth + Money + Property = Power. 4. Education: This is a facilitator to get out of an Oppressive Past. 5. Position / Authority. While the following factors are Specific for Plantation, they have been expanded: 1. Age. 2. Gender. 3. Sexual Orientation. 4. Political Affiliation. 5. Religion. These form Divisions in Society. Social Stratification must Vie for a Space in which to exist or be Erased out of Existence. Edward Kannau Brathwaite: He was a World Famous Barbadian Scholar (Sociologist) who did Research in Jamaica. He observed that on the Plantation, with the Africans, there would have been Tremendous Pressure to Enculturate and Erase Identity and Assimilate them into a Pseudo – European Identity or a Creole Identity. According to Edward, the Emphasis of the Europeans was to Use Culture to Brainwash and Control the Africans. However, Edward regarded that During Enculturation, Africans used Active and Passive Resistance. A Passive Method of Rebellion is Hybridization. It means that the Africans would make a show of the following of the European Ways, but, in truth, he would follow African Cultural Identity. Overtime, the Line Separating the European and African Culture is Blurred. Thus, a Creole Society is Formed. The Creole is Unique and stands out on its own. Creolization is a process that will occur when there is more than one Culture Group. Once a Cultural Identity has been Influenced by another, but not completely Assimilated, they would be Creolized. All Groups have been Modified from their Original Culture. Every Group experienced Social Change and Creolization to some extent. Anyway along the Timeline of Change, Creolization occurs. Creolization implies Cultural Erasure and Enculturation. Change can lead to a person losing his Identity entirely. A Creole is therefore a State of Reality that is an Incorporation of Socio - Logical Aspects of different Cultures. Africans: They came into the Caribbean from West Africa. Creolization and Hybridization has led to Syncretic or Hybrid forms of Religion, Language, Food, Dress and Ways of Thinking. There were Higher Levels of Hybridization in Africans since they were Resilient. Language has a large amount of Creolization. Over time, in the Caribbean, the Patois developed which created a Unique, Lexical, Hybrid Background. Eg. In St. Lucia, the Patois (Combination of French, Spanish and English) is a 1st Language. East Indians: They were slowly Absorbed into a Pre – Dominant Cultural Setting. The Amerindians were Creolized from: Amerindian to Pseaudo – Amerindian (They were the 1st set of People to be Creolized). Thus, East Indians were brought into an already Creolized Society and were put under Pressure to Adjust. East Indians Adopted Elements of an already Creolized Society. The East Indian is a sub – Culture. They came in 1845 into an already Eurocentric and Ethnocentric Society. The Rapid Conversion to Christianity is seen as a Social Mobility Tool for Upward Mobility. East Indians primarily settled in Belize, Grenada, Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname. Ethnocentrism: The Belief that One's Culture and Group is Superior to Others. Eurocentrism: The Belief that One's Culture and Group is Inferior to the Europeans'. Both are linked directly to Cultural Imperialism. Chinese: They illustrated a Divergence from Other Groups in the Caribbean. They were small in number and preferred Large Caribbean Territories such as Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Hispanola and Cuba. The Chinese Resisted Creolization; resisted being Culturally altered. They held on to their Culture more than any other Group. Africans, East Indians, Amerindians: Loss of Cultural Elements, Cultural Erasure and Assimilation. Chinese: Cultural Retention, Maintain Belief Systems and Cultural Practices. In the Caribbean, it may be considered that Creolization was Adopted. The Europeans could have Superimposed themselves but the Other Groups Looked at their Own Culture with Inferiority / Scorn. Creolization is part of becoming more Socially Stable. In the Caribbean, Social Stratification has been present in the Past. There are several Groups that have existed then and still exist today: 1. Plantocracy: Plantocracy refers to the Influence Wielded by Planters in the Society as Effectively the Ruling Class. It is present in Haiti and Jamaica. There is Inequity in Ownership and Wealth. Locally Born White People in Jamaica have their own Political Party. Open Violence even occurs. 2. Bourgeoisie: Bourgeoisie are People who Own Huge Amounts of Wealth and Power. They could have been Black as well. Bourgeoisie and Plantocracy are the Groups that Own Society and they Make the Rules to Serve Them. 3. Intelligentsia: Intelligentsia are the Educated People in Society. They are NOT Restricted to a Colour. There was an Important Black Intelligentsia in the Post – Emancipation Society. A few Blacks were Educated. They pushed for Internal Self Governance and then Independence. Eg. Dr. Eric Williams, Sir Ellis Clarke, Noor Hassanali. Intelligent People had to hold Leadership Positions. The Intelligentsia has Morphed Society to become what it is today. They are still Legacies. Education is Important for Social Mobility and Social Stratification. 4. The Middle Class: This is a Strata of People that has come into being in Recent Times. These are people that Strive for Social Mobility by trying to get certain Management Jobs, for example. They try to Become like the Bourgeoisie Class while Pushing Away the Lower Class. The Middle Class has Jobs, Occupation, Education and Wealth. There is an Attitude of Contempt. In Trinidad, Middle Classes are Associated with Certain Areas. Eg. San Fernando, Palmiste. 5. Working Class: The People are Characterised by Minimum Levels of Education, Little Wealth and Low Status Jobs (Physical and Redundant Jobs for Little Money). These are Equated to the Largest Portion of Society. Society is a Modern Day Version of the Plantation. The Working  Class is Defined by Certain Geographical Areas and they also Pose Greatest Development Challenges for Governments. 6. Underclass: These are Equated to the Dis – Enfranchised, Powerless, Voiceless, Ostracized Groups in Society. They are a Minority Group for two Reasons: They are Small in Number and Their Rights are Neglected by those in Society. Eg. Disabled, Homeless, Old and Young People. These Elements of Stratification Persist in the Caribbean today due to the Introduction of Stratification by the European Plantation. However, another type of Stratification was brought by the East Indians. The Caste System was an Eastern Social Stratification System. The Caste System, like Caribbean Social Stratification, is based on certain Commonalities. However, The Caste System Didn't Allow Mobility. Similar to the Plantation, People in the Caste System Can't Leave their Caste. They are Born Into It and have to Stay Into It. They Can't Rebel against it. The Caste System is built into Hinduism; over 5000 years ago. Observers realised that the Generation Long Division created by the Caste System encouraged People to Convert to Islam; as there were no Caste Systems present in that Religion. The Caste System has certain Names: Brahmins (First) Dalits or Chamar Class (Last) Each Class is given Certain Commonalities and Functions. Eg. The Brahmins are primarilty the Religious Practitioners (Eg. Pundits). The Chamar Class was Restricted from any kind of Ownership, Education and Mobility. Most of the East Indians that came to the Caribbean was of Chamar Class but to avoid Absolute Alienation, they Changed Names. There is Injustice in the Caste System and the Plantation. Colour / Class are the Basis that Divides Society: Caste System and The Plantation introduce Classism. The Class in which someone is present in the Caste System is Hereditary while the Plantation is based on a number of factors. After Emancipation, when the Plantation System ended, Social Stratification Factors now became Social Mobility Factors. Social Stratification Factors are: 1. Race. 2. Colour. 3. Wealth. 4. Occupation. 5. Religion. 6. Education. 7. Political Affiliation.  8. Gender. 9. Age. 10. Status / Position. Social Stratification and Mobility are nearly indifferent. Social Mobility is where a person uses the factors listed above to be Seen in a more Favourable Light in Society. There are both: Upward and Downward Social Mobility Factors. Eg. A Person, such as Dwight Yorke, may marry someone of a Perceived Superior Race to be seen more Favourable in Society. Eg. In Jamaica, Black Women marry White Men so that they children will have better Opportunities. There is a Eurocentric Occupation. The European Religion, Christianity, has much Violence and Brutality and has therefore become the Religion of the Destroyer. Christianity has become a Social Mobility Factor to those who want better Opportunities. In Politics, it is beneficial to be Affiliated with One Party over the Other due to Race or who is in Power. Via Education, a Person may achieve Occupational Mobility and Wealth. As such, Education has a lot of Value and Emphasis in Society. Education therefore creates further Strata. It is Empowering and also causes Division. Plural Society: This is where Many Religions and Races Exist in One Place. There are many Variables at work at the same time. Positives of Cultural Diversity: 1. Tolerance: This is the Ability to Endure. Tolerance gives our Society a Characteristic of Compassion; an Acceptance of Differences among People. This Perspective gives a Positive International Perception. Accommodation Results out of Tolerance. Accommodation is important because it implies that Every Creed and Race has a Space to Exist; Every Race and Religion is given a Place to be Represented and Visible. In the Caribbean, Tolerance is Illustrated in many Activities; especially those Social Significant Activities. Eg. Integrating Carnival in the School Curriculum. Knowledge Promotes Appreciation and therefore Tolerance. 2. Hybridization: This is the Creation of New Forms; as Synthesis is Prevalent. Hybridization can be seen in every aspect of the Caribbean. Eg. Race, Food, Music, Language Racial Hybridization causes Division while Hybridization in Food (Eg. Doubles, Roti) , Music (Eg. Reggae, Calypso), Language (Mixed Words such as: Jumbie, Chunkie) makes our Culture Richer and brings Positive International Attention.  3. Creativity: In the Caribbean, all nations have Creative Festival Events. Eg. Carnival. Due to several Cultural, Social and Racial Inputs, a more Creative Artist is Created. Eg. Calypsonian. More Creativity attracts Positive International Attention. Eg. Two Famous Masked Men: Peter Minshall and Brian McFarlene. Trade Opportunities, Investment Opportunities and Tourism are therefore Positive Results that occur. Eg. In 2014, Trinidad and Tobago had $800 Million US Dollars generated in Carnival. Negative of Cultural Diversity: 1. Intolerance: This can be based on any number of Variables (Eg. Race, Politics). Intolerance shows us to be an Unaccepting Society; shows us to be a Group that Alienates Persons that are Different. It becomes an International Stain on Perception. Intolerance Manifests into Tension and even Violence. Eg. Open Violence in Jamaica, Discrimination against Old, LGBT. This creates a Negative International Picture. It causes International Observers to Withdraw Aid. It causes them to Deny our Trade. Political Instability results in Developmental Challenges. Eg. Only in 1996 was the Shouter Baptist Community given a day of Recognition. Since Emancipation, they were Treated as Outsiders. Because of Minoritization of Groups, People's Human Rights were taken away; leading to Social Injustice Infringements. Module 1, Specific Objective 5 Impact of Geographical Phenomena: This examines the Relationship between Physical Environment and Human Cultural Perceptions (Values and Belief Systems); how Man is Impacted by his Environment and vice versa. Human Ecology implies that there is a Man – Land Relationship. It can also be based on Historical Precedent. In this regard, we examine the Legacies of History, Settlement, Agriculture, as well as the Impact of Natural Disaster. Geological Hazards: 1. Tsunamis. 2. Volcanoes. 3. Earthquake. 4. Landslips / Volcanoes. Meteorological Hazards: 1. Torrential Rains. 2. Droughts. 3. Hurricanes. 4. Flooding. 5. Tidal Flooding. 6. Astronomical Tide. 7. Impacts of Wind. 8. Erosion. Any kind of Natural Disaster will have Economic, Social, Cultural and Political Impacts. Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters: 1. Infrastructural Damage: There is Unforeseen Cost of Rebuilding. Since Money has to be allocated to this, Other Areas become Neglected. There is an Opportunity Cost of Re – Building. There can be Loss of Essential Services which causes a Negative Impact on Quality of Human Life. Eg. If the Hospitals are Destroyed, where would the Sick go?  The Nation experiences Stagnant Development. There is no Money to redirect to Buildings. The Nation is Unable to Pay Existing Loans or Access Future Loans. Because of no Loan Repayment, the country can be Blacklisted as a "Poor Risk". A "Grace Period" implies that Interest has Stopped. With Damage to Infrastructure, you can Lose Important Industries (Major Income Generators) such as Tourism and Agriculture. Eg. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan destroyed Grenada's Tourism Infrastructure. People will go elsewhere for Tourism. If a Place gets a Bad Reputation, it is Difficult to Re - Gain its Reputation. Hurricane Ivan destroyed the "Marinas"- Facilities of Yacts, etc.. It means that Grenada Lost a Niche Tourism Market. Hurricane Ivan destroyed Jamaica's Nutmeg Trees (Their Largest Export). Nutmeg takes 5 years to bear and 40 years for Maturity. This placed Jamaica in a Negative Economic Position, until the Crop is back again. In 2010, Tropical Storm Tomas destroyed St. Lucia's and St. Vincent's Banana Crops. However, Bananas only take 1 year to produce fruit. There can be Loss of Industries Regarding Eco – Tourism Industries. Eg. Destroying Beaches. Eco – Tourism is the most common Tourist Attraction. The Primary Attractions are: Sun, Sea and Sand. These Settings may be gone in the Event of a Natural Disaster. There is Difficulty in some Countries: Unemployment  Heavy Dependence on Government Produced Services and Goods. The Damage to the Agriculture Sector may lead to Starvation and other Crises. Haiti, because of Human Action, has created its own Soil Loss. Their fuel is Wood. Due to large Scale Deforestation, Soil Erosion and Flooding is now common. The Western Ocean of Haiti is now Red due to Soil Pollution. Social, Cultural and Psychological Impacts of Natural Disasters: 1. Death: Loss of Manpower  Less Work Done  Longer Time to Rebuild. This affects the Psychological / Emotional Impact of Survivors. They will suffer Trauma and become Broken, Vegetables and cause PTSD, thus, becoming less Productive. 2. Loss of Employment / Industry: Loss of Services  Decrease of Quality of Life of People. Amenities that One is normally Accustomed with may now be Absent. 3. Inconvenience of a Post – Disaster Life: Loss of Routine. Humans enjoy Routine and base their Lives upon Routines. 4. Depression: With the Destruction of the Environment, there is a Feeling of Hopelessness. This can be an Emotional Strain on People; causing them to Suicide. 5. Long Term Effects: Long Term Resultant Disasters can take a Psychological Turn. Eg. Disease after Flood. People may Continue Dying and this Prolongs the Emotional Strain. 6. Diseases: With an Outbreak of Diseases, there is Loss of Productivity (Can be Caused by PTSD). 7. Social Dislocation / Social Displacement: People have lost what makes up their Identity or at least part of it. Eg. In Jamaica, after the Earthquake in Fort Royale, they had to relocate the entire Capital (Fort Royale was the previous Capital). Additionally, in 1970, a Relocation of most of Belmopan to Belize City. Surprisingly, in 1995, Montserrat had to be Evacuated. Political Impacts of Natural Disasters: 1. Destabilization of the Political Structure: Political Impacts Revolve around Political Stability of the Affected Nation. In a case of a Natural Disaster, People will look toward the Government for Assistance. If the Government cannot attend to the Critical Needs of a Population (Eg. Food, Shelter, Medical Assistance), Rapid Disapproval and Unpopularity of that Government can occur. In the Minds of the People, the Government will be seen as Negative or Unwilling. This can lead to a Population Unleashing their Anger on the Government; leading to a Destabilization of the Political Structure of that Nation. Eg. Cuba. When this happens, everything crumbles. Political De - Stability Nullify Law and Order. If there is No Political Head, Policing will not function and this can lead to Rampant Criminality and Unlawfulness. Eg. In Haiti  Rampant and Widespread Crime. People Organized themselves into Gangs and Attack People in Hospitals, Orphanages to Pillage Food, Water and Medications. 2. Reduced Development: A Nation needs a Political Head to Advance Developmental Plans of a Nation. A Government is Tasked with certain Responsibilities; using Tax for the Benefit of everyone. If there is Destabilization, the Development will be Stagnated (Best Case Scenario) and Retrograde (Worst Case Scenario). Retrograde is where a Nation Reverts to an Earlier and Inferior Position. If there is No Political Structure, Rebuilding Nations will be Stagnated and there will be no Co – ordination of Efforts to Stabilize the Nation. If there isn't a Political Head, Aid from UN, Red Cross and Friendly Governments, for example, there will be no aid since these bodies will have no one to correspond with. With any kind of Political Instability, there will be Loss of Investor Confidence. Loss of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). With Withdrawal of Investors, there is Economic Crisis. Eg. Unemployment.  Tourism will go into Hibernation when there is Political Instability. This is because no one will go to a place without Law and Order for a vacation. Tourism is a Fickle Industry; it is hard to Regain the Population's Confidence after it is lost. Disaster vs. Hazard: Hazard: Presents Potential for Danger to the Well – Being of Society. Disaster: When a Natural or Human Induced Phenomena Acts on Society. Plate Tectonics: Volcanic Activity: This is an Ever - Present Hazard Reality in the Caribbean. It can Manifest into a Disaster. Eg. Montserrat 1995. Several of the Islands in the Eastern Caribbean are Volcanic in Nature. They sit on the Margin of the Plate Boundary. Some are Active (Eg. Soufriere Hills in Guadeloupe, Kick em Jenny, Grenada) and Dormant (Eg. Pitons in St. Lucia). The Threat of Volcanic Activity is an Important Political, Economic and Social Reality. The 1st Recorded Eruption was in Montserrat, 1939. Volcanic Activity, just like Earthquakes, is Unpredictable. In the Caribbean, there have been several Incidents of Volcanic Related Disasters: 1. 1718: Soufriere Volcano, St. Vincent. 2. 1902: Soufriere Volcano, St. Vincent. There were 1600 deaths and $200 Million US Dollars in Damage to Agriculture and Infrastructure. 3. 1995: Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat. There were 20 deaths and $500 Million US Dollars in Damages. There was also a Total Social Relocation. The Tectonic Setting of the Caribbean means that with the 5 Neighbouring Tectonic Plates, the Likelihood of Tectonic Activity is Multiplied by 5. The American Plates are Continental Plates, large in Size and thus Stable. The Caribbean Plate is Oceanic. Much of the Caribbean Plate is Water, thus, factoring Tsunamis. Type of Tectonic Plate Scenarios: Steps That Occur for a Volcanic Eruption / Features of a Volcanic Eruption: 1. Ejection of Material (Rock, Stone, Debris): This Volcanic Eruption may contain Hot or Cold Debris. Cold Materials become Projectiles causing Death, Infrastructural Damage. Hot Materials cause Fire and Possibility of Igniting. 2. Pyroclastic Ejection: The Expulsion of Large Quantities of Gas, Dust and Ash. The gas is Super Hot. Because the Gas is in tremendous quantities, it goes up and flows down the side of the volcano, causing Pyroclastic Flow. It Vaporizes anything it comes in contact with, causing Death, Infrastructure Damages, Agricultural Damages. The Sulphur Gas produced is very Toxic. 3. Lava Flow: There is Magmatic Magma flowing over the Caldera resulting in Loss. 4. Ash Fall: Much of the Debris goes Up in the Sky and Falls Back. Much of the Lighter Material Falls Down and causes Damage. Eg: In Montserrat, There were 12 metres of Ash. 5. Acid Rain: This occurs due to Rapid Rise of a lot of Gas. It reaches Thousands of Feet in Minutes. It mixes with Atmospheric Gases and Water and falls back as Sulphuric Acid on Earth. It is Corrosive and can Damage Metallic Structures. The rain will Mobilize the Ashes, creating Volcanic Slurry (A Thick Mud). The Tremendous Volcanic Slurry moves down the Sides of a Volcano Destroying Stuff. The Rain Implies the Loss of Agriculture and Vegetation. There is Damage to Aquatic Ecologies. The ph of Water is Altered Dramatically. Tsunamis and Tidal Waves / Seismic Sea Wave Eg. India (2004); Japan (2011) A Tsunami can be Triggered by only a few kinds of activities since the Energy required to Trigger this is Tremendous. Tsunamis Displace a lot of Water Rapidly. Under-Water Eruptions/ Explosions or sudden Tectonic shifts (sea floor changes rapidly): A tsunami becomes Dangerous as it approaches Continental Shelf. The Ripple Effect is increased closer to the Shelf (when it becomes dangerous) as compared to Deep Sea. Tsunamis can travel far distances (x1000km). Eg: In Japan 2004, the Tsunami impacted Australia, Madagaskar, New Zeland. They travel at rapid speeds; almost 310-375 miles per hour/500-600 kmh. Tsunamis will leave scope for very little warning time. It can be sudden and leave tremendous losses. The impact is same for any natural disaster. 1. Coastal Region: Much of the Development of Caribbean territories is Centered on the Coastline, including countries from Tobago to St Kitts / Nevis. These areas are very Mountainous therefore the Coastline has the most amounts of Densely Populated Societies. 2. Eco-Tourism: Sun, Sea, Sand, Sex. There is loss of entire Eco-Tourism Industry. Infrastructure and Environment will be Damaged. Environment: 1. Salt Water Intrusion: This is Inevitable along the Coast. It is Normal and many Plants Cope (Eg. Mangroves, Coconut). When they Intrude Inland, Plants with No Protection / Adaptation will Die. In the Short Term, Salt Water Damage Arable Land (at least until rain falls) and hence leaves a Nation in Food Dependency. It may impact upon Potable Water. Salt Water Intrusion occur mostly Above Grounds (Eg: Dams) and may be Cleansed by Machinery but it would be Expensive and may NOT be Readily Available. The Fresh Water Ecology may be Altered. When One Food Link is Disrupted, everything else Changes causing a Ripple Effect. Animals will be sent into a Chaos. 2. Introduction of New Species: Tsunamis may bring Animal Species from the Sea and that can Contaminate Fresh Water and Ecology. There is Threat of Diseases. Tsunami Impact is Similar to that of Astronomical Tides and Tidal Floodings. Tsunamis are Rare (never in Caribbean record). However, Astronomical Tides and Tidal Flooding are More Common. Eg. Trinidad and Tobago – Mayaro, 2014. Eg: In Guyana, Some Parts are below Sea Level. Astronomical Tides caused Guyana to Buy Infrastructure. Eg. Georgetown Sea Walls to Protect the Atlantic coast. Sea Walls at Mosquito Creek in Trinidad are used as Protection when Seas get Agitated by Astronomical Tide. Hurricanes / Typhoons / Willie Wille This is an Important Meteorological Event in the Tropical Region. A Hurricane is Formed by a Unique Coincidence of Factors. It Begins as a Low Pressure System (Convection). With the Presence of a Large Volume of Water, this Low Pressure System Grows in Scale due to Available Water Vapour. The Atlantic Western Hurricane Belt has its Origin in Africa, Spanning fo