St. Hugh’s High SchoolMark Scheme

Caribbean StudiesGrade 12

SECTION A

Question 1: Using examples from the Caribbean, explain how Caribbean people throughout history

have responded to oppression. (20 marks)

Knowledge: 7

Use of knowledge: 8

Enquiry and Communication: 5

Some slaves and indigenous peoples choose maroonage as a way of escaping the harshness of

plantation life

Committed acts of suicide and infanticide

Blacks and indentured servants turned to peasantry, established free villages which contributed

to the diversification of the economy

Revolts carried on the plantation of the Caribbean from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries

1816 revolt in Barbados,1823 in Demerara and 1831 in Jamaica

1791Haitian revolution

Post emancipation riots, for example potato/food riots that occurred on plantation because of

poor wages, lack of food, 1865 rebellion in Jamaica

Taino and Kalinago fought Spaniards

Asian indentured servants opted to return to India and China. Some established shops and

restaurants as a way of escaping plantation life

Non-violent acts- malingering, sabotage of plantation equipment, verbal defiance, pretending

not to understand instructions given by planter

Labour riot/rebellion of the 1930s throughout the Caribbean which led to the widening of the

franchise, the beginning of self-government and the establishment of trade unions to negotiate

fair wages for workers

The emergence of the tambo-bamboo bands when drum were banned in Trinidad, the playing

of tins and eventually the formation of steel pans

Emergence of Rastafarianism as a response to colonialism and a rejection of Eurocentric views

Establishment of faith-based school for Muslims and Hindus

Using literacy as a tool of opposition-to understand the ways of the planter e.g. Sam Sharpe,

Touissaint and Nanny Grig

Muharram Massacre in Trinidad in 1884 and protest over the laws and treatment of Muslims

Some choose to accept and conform to the ways of plantation life

Question 2: Examine measures that Caribbean countries can implement to minimize the dangers

posed by natural disaster in the region (20 marks)

Knowledge: 7

Use of Knowledge: 8

Enquiry and Communication: 5

Students are expected to make mention of the natural disasters that the Caribbean countries

face- hurricane, drought, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, storms ,tidal waves, tsunami

caused by the geographical phenomenon of plate tectonic

Definition of natural disaster- a phenomenon with drastic consequences. The elements are

wind, water, rock, earth, fire and sea. By virtue of its location a community becomes vulnerable

for example Soufriere in Montserrat, St. Vincent, island communities and volcanoes, some are

on the tectonic plates such as Jamaica

Caribbean governments and national bodies can educate the population to adopt safe building

and housing practices that will provide protection from extreme weather conditions

Develop and implement procedures for removing persons in an emergency to safer ground and

for general evacuation

Have well-planned shelters in all parts of the country

Develop an effective educational and disaster awareness programme to sensitize the population

as to risks and what they can do to minimize risks

Ensure that building codes and regulations are adhered to

Disaster preparedness- Earthquake drills

Establishment of regional environmental agencies that offer quick responses to disasters

Educate individuals about the importance of protecting the environment- encourage careful use

of rivers and avoid cutting down trees

Insurance

During a disaster precautions should to taken to avoid the loss of life and property e.g. not go

outside during a hurricane, secure pets and important documents, batten down windows, keep

stock of tinned foods, candles etc.

SECTION B

Knowledge: 7

Use of knowledge: 8

Enquiry and Communication: 5

Question 3: Using examples from the Caribbean, describe the importance of EACH of the following

concepts: (20 marks)

(i) Economic development

(ii) Political development

(iii) Social development

Economic development

Rise in GDP and per capita income, a higher standard of living and increase in disposable income

among citizens.

Agriculture is the traditional source for the economy-based on monocrop practices-such as

sugar, or diversification. Food crops for local and tourist market are also provided. Present

debates are based on the viability of agriculture and land use in the Caribbean.

World financial crisis has impacted economic policies for development-loans have been

compromised, conditionalities, global impact on local mortgages

Capital investment to help create jobs and increase wealth

Entrepreneurship

Debt reduction policies

Social development

Should focus on improving the social amenities of people.

Social goods-modern water supply and appropriate sewage disposal plants, the availability of

schools and tertiary training facilities, recreational facilities such as parks, museum, good

communication systems, electricity and modern road networks

Students are expected to show the connection between economic and social development

Political development

Is crucial to the overall development thrust of Caribbean states. Students should demonstrate

that citizens and politicians are important stakeholders in this process and this includes the

respect for the rule of law and the embrace of political institutions and foster democracy and

fair play

It also includes the interpretation of the constitution and the respect for the outcome of general

and local elections

Indicators of political development include upholding of human rights for all persons who live in

the state regardless of national identity, race, religion, class or ethnic composition; respect for

decisions of the court and the honouring of all agreements and treaties forged with foreign

states

Capitalism, communism and socialism

Question 4: Outline FOUR indicators of development and describe their relevance as indicators of

development in the Caribbean (20 marks)

Knowledge: 7

Use of Knowledge: 8

Enquiry and Communication: 5

Development means ‘’improvement in a country’s economic and social conditions’’. More

specifically, it refers to improvements in ways of managing an area’s natural and human

resources in order to create wealth and improve people’s lives. This definition is based on the

more obvious distinctions in living standards between developed and less developed countries.

Economic Development- economic growth, GNP,GDP, population growth rate, age dependency

ratio, purchasing power parity

Human Development—HDI-broadening of people’s choices, equity, productivity, empowerment

and sustainability, education, literacy, gender equality, reduction of child mortality,

improvement of maternal health, environmental sustainability

Sustainable Development: development that meet the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Protection of the

environment, quality of life of its citizens

SECTION C

Question 5: “Caribbean migrants in the United Kingdom and North America have had a limited

impact on those societies.” Present arguments for OR against this statement (30 marks)

Knowledge: 10

Use of Knowledge: 12

Enquiry and Communication: 8

Caribbean influences on extra- regional countries politics

Migration of Caribbean people has had impact on the politics of extra-regional countries- eg

immigration policies instituted to deal with illegal entry, quotas, illegal sale of passport and

visas, return of Haitian boat people, offering refugee status to Cuban

Narcotic traffic has led to the hosting of conferences with the USA to combat this criminal act.

Formation of political agreement to tackle this problem

Adoption of more cooperative relationships in the hope that problems facing the region will be

addressed

Caribbean influence on extra-regional countries economics

Caribbean migrants have helped to rebuild the economies of France and UK during the period of

the 1950s and 1960s after damage caused by war.

Caribbean migrant workers have worked in public transit system as postal workers and nurses

Provided these economies with an educated and willing workforce

The hosting of Carnival celebrations in places such as New York, Toronto and London has

boosted the local economy through hotel bookings, taxes on entertainment, services, food

industry, and provide work in producing costumes

Caribbean migrants engage in activity such as fruit picking for minimum wages in places like

Florida and Canada. This contributes to their economy.

The Cayman island, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and

Barbuda acts as off-shore economies catering to overseas clients

Caribbean influences on extra-regional countries culture

Reggae, Calypso and Soca music are played all over the world. Reggae music is now being

incorporated into other genres of music for e.g.: a Japanese pop classic CD done by female

vocalist Sayoko is set to a reggae beat; in Nicaragua, political songs of protests are set to a

reggae rhythm while in Zambia, Rastafarians there stage their own version of a reggae festival

each year. Reggae is also being offered as a course in some North American Universities as

well as at our local universi ty as part of a Cultural Studies programme to increase awareness

about Caribbean culture.

Reggae Sumfest and Jazz and Blues Festivals have made a significant impact on international

audiences

Dancehall- an evolution of reggae has been fused with hip-hop, punk rock and R&B giving it

further international acclaim. This can be seen in songs performed by Beenie Man and Janet

Jackson, Bounti and Gwen Stephani and Sean Paul and Beyonce.

The tuning and playing of steelpan has become popular in some colleges and school abroad. One association, Pan European is increasingly assuming responsibility for creating a network to

promote the development of pan in Europe. The Japanese as well have developed their own

steel band industry. Every year many of the top steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago prepare for

the annual Panorama festival which also includes players from metropolitan countries.

Rastafarianism has become accepted by some countries as it was popularized through Bob

Marley because it focuses on the themes of brotherhood and peace. The hair style has also

become quite popular

Establishment of Caribbean restaurants has helped to popularize Caribbean culinary practices-

jerk seasoning, canned coconut water, Angostura bitters, rum, coffee

Cornrow-tourist are normally seen sporting this hairstyle

Literary styles-Dereck Walcott and V. S. Naipaul have influenced ideas of black consciousness

The more popular Caribbean festivals held abroad are the Nottinghill Carnival in the U.K., Labour

Day in Brooklyn, Carnival in Miami and Caribana in Canada.

Within recent years new festivals have emerged as the Caribbean communities get larger. These

include Jerk and Shrimp festivals held in New York and Miami respectively.

Question 6: “There is no single Caribbean culture.” Do you agree? Provide arguments and examples to

support your answer (30 marks)

Knowledge: 10

Use of Knowledge: 12

Enquiry and Communication: 8

The question requires students to reflect on whether the cultural traits of the Caribbean are

sufficiently strong enough or cohesive to be named as one culture. Students who support both

positions should not be penalised

Students must provide definitions of culture and Caribbean

Amerindian heritage- hurricane has been added to the Caribbean vocabulary, cassava, canoe

and pepperpot are integral the region

Insularity and more acceptance of North American culture negates the acceptance of one

Caribbean culture

“Mimic men” as stated by V.S. Naipaul shows that Caribbean people are imitating cultural

practices that are not necessarily Caribbean.

Plural society as a result of the similar historical experience- colonialism, slavery, indentureship,

different ethnic groups

Culinary practices-eating of curry, roti, patties, yam, sweet potato, use of coconut milk, eating of

animal intestine

Sports such as cricket, netball, track and field, football has sought to engender feeling of

Caribbean cohesion

Festivals such as Indo-Caribbean Phagwa/Holi,Hosay/Muharram allow Caribbean peoples to

experience the diversity of the region.

Afro-Creole religions speak to the process of syncretism e.g. Santeria, Vodun, Pocomania,

Obeah, Spiritual Baptist

Certain funeral practices are seen throughout the Caribbean such as ninth night and wakes

Hinduism and Islam, Buddhism and Judeo-Christianity are practiced throughout the Caribbean.

Cultural diversity itself is a common feature that links the region and culture

Similar socialization processes

Common geographical location

SECTION D

Question 7: Suggest ways in which the tourism in the Caribbean can further advance development in

the region (30 marks)

Knowledge: 10

Use of Knowledge: 12

Enquiry and Communication: 8

The question requires a discussion on the state and shortcomings of tourism in the region

before going on to suggest ways to overcome them such as the construction of high rise hotels

pose a danger to the environment as the water is polluted and wetlands had to be filled to

construct such facilities, coral reefs incur the danger of being destroyed, workers are

unemployed for long periods due to the seasonal nature of the job, tourism is impacted by

international laws- now patting down and rising cast in airfare, rise of sexually transmitted

disease

Development- sustainable, economic and social, productivity and environmental protection

Caribbean governments and urban planners must be committed in their programmes designed

to protect the environment against haphazard town planning and big businesses

Establish activities related to sustainable development versus those that are cheaper and will

bring profits only in the short term.

Hotels could also have alternative activities in times of low occupancy eg fashion shows, tours

Question 8: “The ultimate goal of CARICOM is to institute a single government for CARICOM member

states.” If this goal becomes a reality, discuss the ways in which this development may help OR hinder

this movement towards integration. (30 marks)

Knowledge: 10

Use of Knowledge: 12

Enquiry and Communication: 8

How CARICOM help the movement towards Caribbean integration

Though separated by sea if CARICOM would function as one body it could tackle issues such as

freedom of movement, trade, tariffs, movement of capital

Cultural integration- such a union would greatly assist in the creation of a national identity for

these Caribbean states bringing a political and literal translation to the concept of “one people

one nation’. Doing this would enhance the ideology of a “Caribbean identity”

One passport would make travelling from one country to another quite hassle free. Additionally

one carrier would help to boost the economy of the region and lend itself to free movement of

people within the region

Sea travel could also enhance integration

Free trade would truly exist with the removal of tariffs for trade. Manufacturers would now

produce for the region thus leading to more efficiency and increased employment

Investors would have a bigger market which would lead to profits to benefit the region as a

whole

There would be a common currency and common fiscal and monetary policy which means

better use of the region’s resources and human potential. Caribbean individuals would no longer

face restrictions as they move from one country to another.

Through tourism states would be able to market themselves collectively and not compete with

each other

Negotiation with international lending companies would allow CARICOM states to go the

negotiating table with one voice and lead towards regional integration

How CARICOM may hinder the movement for Caribbean integration

The 1958 federation demonstrated how the differences of historical circumstances and

economic development can serve to undermine the movement for Caribbean integration. Such

key issues as the choice of capital and leader of the Union of the single government may hinder

integration as states disagree or are dissatisfied with the results.

Some political parties may use this as an opportunity to withdraw from the Union

The issues of agreements and treaties made with other countries prior to political union may

prove to be problematic

Some states would feel as if their identity would be lost with the creation of one union. Some

citizens would view their autonomy as being lost.

Some states may resent the loss of their legislative power and their sense of control over their

destiny thus not supporting the integration movement

Too much centralized government may lead to economic and political inequality

Some may view the collective approach to tourism as a hindrance to the advancement of their

own economy

The free movement of and common market may be viewed a s a crippling effect on smaller

economies or be detrimental to larger ones as labour and capital move freely across the Union

Disparity in currency may prove to be problematic as some Caribbean citizens from economies

that are better off may reject integration