Powerpoint presentation which looks on the factors that promote or hinder economic development

2. Political Ideologies This fosters fragmentation and makes countries vulnerable to external interference in domestic affairs of the countries. It also limits the extent to which countries are able to forge a coordinated foreign policy. The region has also been able to maintain stable and democratic governments, which have provided opportunities for economic stability and favourable investment climate. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER

3. Distribution of Wealth When concentrated in the hands of a few, it can lead to low levels of investment, high unemployment, high levels of unskilled labour force (since there will be low expenditure on education. It can also lead to corruption THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER The result is low productivity among high-income earners, capital flight and brain drain. It leaves government with a high borrowing from international sources, which result I higher taxes and rising inflation.

6. Changing Class Boundaries If within societies there are no avenues or scope for social mobility, then this can lead to antagonism as people will see themselves as inferior or less important than those who occupy higher status. A rigid class structure breeds insecurity or mistrust and this can have a negative impact on development. Some avenue for upward social mobility must exist to reward people who are industrious, visionary and productive. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER

7. Natural and man-made disasters Caribbean countries suffer frequently from natural disaster such as earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanoes. These natural disasters have contributed tremendously to financial burdens as a result of damage to property, infrastructural damage, economic setbacks (especially in agrculture and tourism). The result has been that regional government have had to change developmental plans to deal with short-term or immediate situations. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER

12. Fragmentation The Caribbean is highly fragmented. The countries are spread out: Belize in the west Guyana in the south Barbados in the east The result: restricted communication, prevention of free movement of people , constraints on cost of moving resources and goods. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER

13. Resource endowment Absence of mineral; forestry and other resources in most territories. This has placed some limitation on development strategies and options. Except for Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Belize, a lack of resource prevents production and resources available to all allows for production of the same products, hence difficulty in finding markets. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER

14. Proximity to United States This allow for easy penetration of North American culture and lifestyle – cultural imperialism. This is detrimental as it stifles local and regional initiative and introduces unwanted social habits. THE THE VTHS NEWS Knowledge, Skill, Discipline CLARENDON’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER