The Caribbean is filled with a plethora of talent which stems from the culture of the people. Music, dance and drama have played an important role in the culture of many Caribbean countries and are seen mainly as a source of entertainment. However as the statement says, there are many ways in which the Caribbean benefits from them, other than it being a source of entertainment, especially in the case of music.

In the Caribbean, music is seen as one of the main sources of entertainment. There is a great love for songs as well as creating these songs amongst the Caribbean people, whether it be Reggae, Dancehall, Calypso or Soca. This acts as a ways of connecting the Caribbean countries despite the physical barriers that separate them. This connection can be seen during carnival where various Caribbean countries come together and rave to songs which may have not been sung by musicians from their country. For example in Jamaica, songs sung by other Caribbean artistes such as “Remedy” sung by the Trinidadian, Machel Montano, are a popular selection during carnival activities.

Secondly, it is well known in the Caribbean that foreign exchange, through the Tourism sector, plays a major role in the economy of our countries.  Music undoubtedly, plays a major role in the tourism of Caribbean countries. Popular music genres which stem from the Caribbean such as Reggae, Dancehall and Calypso attract many tourists who enjoy Caribbean music. These tourists travel to various Caribbean countries in order to attend various music festivals such as Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. In addition, music icons such as Bob Marley have impacted many international countries and therefore have created a large international fan base.

In the case of Bob Marley, Jamaica has reaped the benefits of being the birthplace of a well respected music legend. After his death, many of his fans found it necessary to visit the birthplace of the musician. Attractions such as the Bob Marley museum were created which helped Jamaica to reap even more benefits from the increase in tourists to the island.

This portfolio focuses mainly on cultural diversity within the Caribbean. However, despite having this diversity within the region, there still exists some level of regional integration in the Caribbean. We are, however, not as integrated as we ought to be and this is a cause for concern leading to regional integration being a constant topic in current affairs. 

Regional Integration entails the coming together of various Caribbean islands and territories to achieve goals which they would be unable to achieve individually. 

1) Similar social issues (for example, crime)

2)Lack of/ Limited Resources- most Caribbean countries suffer from a lack of resources but regional integration allows for the combination of resources from all countries to benefit all countries involved.  

3) Similar historical background- most Caribbean countries were colonized by the Europeans and forced to endure slavery. This shared common background allows people from different islands to relate to each other and increase the chances of regional integration. 

4)Prone to natural disasters- due to our geographical location, Caribbean territories are prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc. 

 

1)Being better able to compete internationally

2) Freedom to travel from island to island 

3) Increased cooperation and better relationships among the islands

4) Improvement in the quality of life within the Caribbean

 

1)Difference in stages of development from country to country- more developed countries, for example, may be unwilling to help under-developed countries as this will “slow” the development of the more developed country.

2) The demands of a specific country may be different from regional demands.

3) All islands produce similar goods and therefore, one country sees another as a rival in a competition. 

4) The currency varies from country to country 

 

*The West Indies Federation (1958-1962)

*CARIFTA (1968-1972)

*CARICOM (1972- present)

*Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (1981- present)

*CARICOM Single Market and Economy (1989- present)

*Caribbean Court of Justice (1991- present) 

       During the semester, my expectations for the course were fulfilled as I was greeted with a plethora of new knowledge about the Caribbean’s past and present. The prescribed novel, “The Haunted Tropics Caribbean Ghost Stories” was one which enlightened me about the various issues in different Caribbean territories as well as made me realize that the countries of the Caribbean are not that different after all. 

Shanice Richards: 
 At the beginning of the semester I expected Foun1101 to be an in depth  evaluation of the Caribbean. I had anticipated getting more knowledge of the Caribbean to add to what I had received in high school. To my surprise this was not so. 

 My classes were held online, this was something I was not accustomed to and so I had some trouble adjusting. However after a while I grew to appreciate it. These online tutorials were only for an hour and I wished they were longer so more thorough discussions could be done with my instructor.

Jody- Ann Richards:
    The course Caribbean Civilization (FOUN1101) was not exactly what I expected. Having done Caribbean Studies at my former school, I expected this course to be almost the same. However, I was up for a rude awakening as the first assessments of the course required me to read a book and analyze it in the context of the Caribbean. I don't usually enjoy reading but I must admit that the book and other material provided in the course have instilled in me a new desire to learn more about the Caribbean, even through reading. 
I have no regrets in having done this course as I am now more aware of culture within other Caribbean islands as well as my own. I now feel a greater sense of Caribbean identity and I am now more proud that I am a part of this diverse yet unified region.