CSEC Social Studies

Social Groups and Institutions

Question 1
Specific objectives: 1, 2 and 10
Define the term “Economic integration” (2 marks)
Economic integration is the coordination and regulation of economic and trading relations among
countries so that they share the benefits.
It is the expansion and integration of economics activities (e.g. manufacturing) so that countries share
benefits of such activities.

NB definition to include “among countries to share benefits”

State TWO factors that promote trade among CARICOM countries. (2 marks)
 Due to a common colonial past Caribbean countries have a similar culture – taste, language,
lifestyle. A similar language and similar culture makes it easier for trade to take place between
countries. Caribbean citizens have similar taste in food will make it easier to introduce products
in the different markets.
 The need for CARICOM countries to expand their industries
 Small acreage limits the availability of physical resources for large scale production to supply
larger markets
 The policy on free trade within CARICOM
 Small population resulting in small markets that limits the amounts to be produced and thus
prevent benefits from the economics of scale.
 Difficulty in accessing the markets of developed countries
 The need to find markets for locally produced goods
 Physical proximity of the countries

Outline TWO benefits members of CARICOM experience by purchasing from each other.
 The foreign exchange earnings made from trade remains within the Caribbean region.
 Countries can make optimum use of raw material/natural resources found in the region to
develop and expand industries
  Production of goods for export provides a wide range of employment opportunities for
Caribbean people
 Free trade in CARICOM goods will make the goods cheaper than those imported from outside
the region
 Provide a larger market for producers of member countries
 Production of goods for export provides a wide range of employment opportunities for
Caribbean people
 Free trade in CARICOM goods will make the goods cheaper than those imported from outside
the region
 Provides a larger market for producers of member countries

Suggest TWO strategies that may be used to make economic integration more effective. Explain fully
why EACH strategy will work.

A. Inform Caribbean citizens about the objectives and benefits of economic integration process
through the traditional media during prime time, social media platforms, workshops, flyers.
B. Reduce transportation cost e.g. Reducing airline taxes for inter-regional travel
C. Caribbean governments can pool resources to increase manufacturing in the region.
D. Each Caribbean government can encourage investment in member states through CSME
E. Caribbean governments can complete negotiations to effect free movement of capital and
labour through CSME
F. Caribbean governments can strive for closer coordination of the commercial banking system
within the region.
G. Caribbean governments should establish protocols to remove remaining barriers to trade among
member states
H. Provide technical support to member states that require it

Justification:

a. An informed citizenry is more likely to act upon information provided which would make
integration more effective. Information that is provided during prime time and via social media
will reach a wide and varied audience. Therefore a wide cross section of citizens would be made
aware of the objectives, activities and benefits of integration
b. Cheaper airline tickets would encourage more frequent travel by Caribbean nationals within the
region. They could travel for tourism which would benefit countries in the region. They would
also get to know the culture of neighboring countries better which would make integration
easier.
c.
d. Encourage investment in member states through CSME if this action is taken CARICOM citizens
will find it easier to set up businesses in member countries as well as improve relations among
countries
List TWO areas of functional cooperation (2marks)
 Health, education, agriculture, security, sports
Name TWO natural disasters that affect the Caribbean. (2 marks)
 Hurricane, earthquake, volcanic eruption, flooding, drought, forest/bush fire, landslide

Suggest TWO reasons why a CARICOM country may experience difficulty in providing assistance to
another member country during or soon after a natural disaster.

 Country may be affected by the same natural disaster at the same time (hurricane), for example
Barbados and Jamaica may be affected by the same hurricane within a few days.
 Inadequate/insufficient sea transport to move relief supplies and personnel
 Airports may be affected in one or both countries
 Communication systems such as telephone and internet in the country may be disrupted due to
downed lines
 Disaster relief management may not be organized effectively or efficiently
 Insufficient resources e.g. canned foods, toiletries, bottled water to mount meaningful relief
efforts

Explain fully strategies that may be used to provide assistance for countries affected by a natural
disaster.
 Ensure that the regional disaster management agency CDEMA has adequate funding and is well
managed
 Agree on minimum safety/ security standards to cope with sudden disasters e.g. building
standards must be adhered to so as to reduce damage and death from earthquakes, hurricane
straps must be used for roofs and water harvesting facilities in case of drought.
 Set up a regional emergency communication network and ensure it as immediate response
capability- a satellite system may be considered.
 Set up mechanism to mobilize emergency personnel (health, security, energy, water) for rapid
response within each member state.
 Invest in forecasting and detection equipment/instruments equipped for providing early
warning to the entire region
 Stockpile/replenish emergency supplies that may be dispatched in a timely manner to affected
areas
 Set up an emergency transportation system that can be easily activated within each member
state.

Justification:

Stockpile/replenish emergency supplies that may be dispatched in a timely manner to affected areas
Getting adequate relief supplies to a disaster area is a serious problem in the Caribbean. If countries
regularly stockpile and replenish emergency supplies they can be more responsive to a disaster and
reduce loss of life.