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The Caribbean have indeed come a long way, based on its history, we have been fighting to make our mark in the world. As small islanders, we realized that we must first start developing ourselves. The Caribbean's first attempts for integration were through the formation of organizations. The first organisation founded was the 'West Indies Federation' on the 3rd January 1958 and ended on the 31st May 1962. All the countries were colonies of United Kingdom, which comprised of 10 territories; Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, Jamaica,Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and Montserrat. The aim was to gain political union among members, under the Act of 1956 "British Caribbean Federation"
It was created to become independent from Britain as a single state, but before any major plans could take place the organization collapsed. A lot of other countries opposed this idea because some were reliant on Central and North America, but for others, they were in the fight for their independence. The federation's major problem was the payment which each island had to contribute to the organization. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica was contributing more than anyone, they were the stable financial contributors of it. Other smaller islands could not put in that much due to their funds being low, and most of their income being designated to the development of their country.
Another attempt of Caribbean integration occurred on 15 December 1965 where, CARIFTA "Caribbean Free Trade Association" was founded by Guyana, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago. Its plans was to agree on the Free Trade which will then begin the Caribbean Common Market. Through these stages, they wanted to create a stable economic community for the Caribbean territories. This organization was used to make presence of the international affairs and join the economies.
CARIFTA had many goals in helping the Caribbean develop trading
- By increasing this, goods among members can be sold and bought
- By diversifying trading, the expanding of variety of goods and services available for trade.
- Removing tariffs and quotas on goods produced and traded within the area.
CARIFTA then become Caricom. Other forms of integration is CSME ( Caribbean Single Market Economy), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

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Tourism is by far the largest source of income. Since as early as the 1920’s foreigners have been curious about our lands which lead it to become one of the best spots to go for vacationing. The beaches, tropical weather, food and people are nothing like other regions. The special blend of races, multiculturalism and . The Caribbean Tourist Association was founded in 195, they used this to get tax incentives from foreign hotels and businesses.

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Throughout the Caribbean there are limited schools which are considered to be top of the line. However, there are major names recognized by both regional and international standards. The most common and acknowledged is the University of the West Indies. However others such as, St. Georges University in Grenada and UTESA (Santiago University of Technology) are also well-knowned based on their respective fields. The secondary school system in certain schools often display the best environment for learning amongst all others. Social interactions, being a main idea and focus in that type of system creates a well-developed character where awkwardness is drastically reduced.

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This is probably our biggest development in the Caribbean. Since in the colonial times, we were producing, tobacco, sugar, cocoa and ginger, because of events that took place we not produce as we did before. Trinidad and Tobago still produces cocoa, and it is known to be the best in the world, fueling the 'Cardbury' brand chocolate. The Caribbean also exports citrus fruits ( orange, grapefruit, limes) coffee, nutmeg and other spices, herbs and seasonings. Other traditional households often make use of a home garden. Tropical fruits found here are also exported and sold on a global scale, such as mangoes, bananas, watermelons and avacados.

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Carnival is renowned all through the world, from the traditional masquerading to the more decorated styles. It is enjoyed by some hundred thousands of people worldwide, with Trinidad and Tobago's being the most favoured. The soca music that drench the airways and flood the minds of the people create a distinct and unique experience. The paint, mud, chocolate, water and sometimes even oil bands are several of the major types of sections people tend to go to. The non-stop 'bachannal' and the once in a lifetime experience always have tourists and locals coming back for more.

Major public figures also attend the different competitions held during this period, mainly the International Soca Monarch and the Groovy Soca Monarch, where they compete for the top spot.

Another main attraction to tourists and regionals, is Panorama. The steel pan, being the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago always has a great impact during this time. Large bands compete for the glory playing their sweet symphonies and melodies from soca and contemporary music throughout the season.

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Because of the rich history, there's a culture second to none. Culture is the practice and lifestyle of a group of people with common interests, however, cultures are distinguished and are varied around the world. The culture consists of varied languages, music and even food. Music is also a major contribution which consists of reggae, calypso and Soca. Bob Marley, is a perfect example of the regional music being brought internationally when he took reggae to the world stage. Another is Trinidad’s traditional carnival masquerading, which made its way into the Olympics. Peter Minshall, did the costume designs for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the 1994 World Cup opening ceremony in the United States of America and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Our great poets and writers also made it to the world stage, for example Kamau Brathwaite.

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The use of this helps bring people together, colonialism was resisted and it helped powered nationalism in each country. Cricket is the most famous sport for us, even though it was foreign brought. We used this to our advantage to beat our own rulers and dictators in their own game. The Caribbean countries that were under British ruling came together and formed a team which was the most unifying we had ever done. A lot of Caribbean countries have their own teams and are part of the FIFA’s 'CONCACAF' (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). Another sport that’s only seen in the Caribbean is in the small island of Tobago commonly known as, ‘Crab Race'. This is where a string is tied to a crab and they race against each other. Another common event, is goat racing, which is still very prevalent in Tobago, it is usually done during the Easter vacation.

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Based on the points mentioned, the Caribbean can be labelled as a topic of interest where development is concerned. It's distinctive natural beauty, athletic domination, upcoming academic focus and the transitioning from a third world status can make the region a force to be reckoned with in the near future