Tameshwar Jodhan

Explain 4 challenges to the development of the tourism sector in the Caribbean indicating
how each challenge impacts development in the region.
Caribbean countries have an advantage for the development of the tourism industry and are
long-established tourist destinations. In addition, some are amongst the most important tourist
destination in the Western Hemisphere. Most Caribbean islands depend on tourism to support
their economy by providing jobs directly associated with this sector: hotel staff, tour operators,
restaurant staff, souvenirs vendors, taxi drivers. The tourism sector of Caribbean countries faces
many challenges.

The Caribbean Islands frequently experiences various natural disasters such as Hurricanes,
Earthquakes, Flooding and Volcanic Activity. The effect of these natural disasters varies
depending on the magnitude of the disaster. Earthquakes and hurricanes can destroy structures
that change the landscape of the affected region. According to analysts of World Travel and
Tourism Council (WTTC), “tourist destinations can recover from terrorist attacks quicker than
they would an environmental disaster.” Natural disasters affect tourism such that flights are
cancelled, local transportation is paralyzed, and tourist attractions may be damaged. In a chain
reaction, the economy also suffered, especially in these regions that depend heavily on tourism.
Natural disasters cannot be prevented unless we overhaul our environmental problems. It is
important for the tourism industry to take into account the possibility of natural disasters to
ensure business sustainability. As stated above, those countries which depend heavily on the
tourism industry will be severely affected by the chain reaction which ensures from a natural
disaster. Money which would have been for the development of the overall country will have to
help recover from the natural disaster. If the natural disaster occurs during a period when there is
high influx of tourists then this will decrease that amount by a large number.

Political instability can also negatively affect tourism. The loss of tourists is caused by the
feeling of loss of safety on the part of tourists who avoid those territories and turn to other
"safer" destinations. Terrorism, which has been identified as one of the main causes of rejection
of a destination, is currently aimed at the tourism "industry" in view of the economic damage
that can be inflicted on a tourism country, its visibility, as well as the influence it may have on a
government. Countries in conflict areas have lost revenue and weight in the tourist demand
market. But as a result, other countries have increased their revenues and demand, as in the case
of "safer destinations", which have been promoted as such. In this case we can consider Guyana
and Cuba. It is know that in Guyana there is political tension between the two most prevalent
races during the time of election. When tourist research on destinations in Guyana they are more
than likely to come across this. The election is upcoming in Guyana and this will put a dent in
the tourism industry of Guyana during that time because tourists will fear for their safety. In
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Cuba it is known that there is ever growing tension between the Cuban government and the
American forces tourists will avoid these areas. In Cuba there is also mafia and gang wars
between the armed forces and gang members. This also discourages tourists. The loss of tourists
due to tension in the country whether it is race or political will impact the economy greatly
because it will result in the loss of foreign exchange.

Tourism infrastructure in many locations is outdated and underdeveloped. Governments, tourism

Tourism taxes are small fees usually levied indirectly through accommodation providers or
holiday companies, and typically aimed at overnight visitors. Some Caribbean countries have
joined the ranks of popular destinations imposing a tax, the theory being that useful funds can be
raised to counter some of the ill-effects caused by high volumes of tourism. Tourist tax will
negatively affect the tourism industry because prices will increase and also with the tax also
come other form of levies and restrictions. As such tourists will be discouraged from visiting a
country due to the increase in prices. Although the government see the tourism tax as a
necessary form of revenue for the country they do not look at it in the long run where number of
tourists lost to the increase in prices far outweighs the amount of revenue earned.
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Explain 4 ways in which the arts have contributed to human development in the
Caribbean.

Art is fundamentally about how we see ourselves. Works of art can be mediums both visual and
written as well as musical and others. Art casts a light on the world through the eyes of the artist.
In this way, art lets us see much more of the world than we would elsewise see. It reveals to us
hidden perspectives on our world. Art can be reflective and expose secrets of the past through
the wizened eyes of the present.

Art can be illuminating to events of the present through another's eyes. These images then serve
as snapshots of time for future viewers. Famous Caribbean painters Stanley Barnes, Everald
Brown, Stan Burnside produced powerful paintings depicting slavery and uprisings in the
Caribbean. We can see the brutality of the uprisings and the desperation on both sides as they
fight for their lives. Art can be imaginative and dream of futures no one could possibly predict.
Art is about us. It is all of our best and our worst. Art is our triumphs and our failures. Since the
very first cave paintings we have endeavored to leave a mark and to say, "We were here.", "This
was us.". As long as there are intelligent beings to make it, there will always be art and this is
seen in the cave paintings of our indigenous people where we have learnt so much from their
ancient ways through studying their simple yet intricate cave paintings.

Music is one of the most universal ways of expression in human life. Music is present in the
everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world. Music represents an
enjoyable activity in and of itself, but its influence goes beyond simple amusement. The impact
that musical activity has on human life can be found in different processes. One of them is
represented by the transfer of learning from the musical to other cognitive domains. The transfer
of learning implies that skills acquired in a specific cognitive domain can be transferred and also
used in other domains of human activity. Abilities that have been developed through musical
training may also be effectively used in other cognitive tasks. Considering the social component
of musical activity, music may also have an impact on social skills and social inclusion,
supporting the participation of the individual in collective and collaborative musical events. The
promotion of social participation through music can foster many kinds of inclusion, in a wide
perspective including intercultural, intergenerational, and disability issues. All of these aspects
seem to confirm the relevant impact and the educational implications that music may have on
human development, at all ages, and also for people with special needs. In the Caribbean music
has help us to express ourselves in our own unique way. Which has benefitted us greatly.

Dance has been a universal aspect of the human experience for millennia and is part of our
collective DNA. Our bodies and brains have evolved to dance in synchronized unison. And,
dancing on a regular basis seems to change the way we think and interact with one another. In
dance, the basic elements of humanity combine in a natural way. It combines creative act, fine-
tuned movement and collaboration, much like playing music. The movement involves the whole
body, like in sports. . . Studies on producing music and movement show how during
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cooperation, the brains of two people become attuned to the same frequency. This is apparent in
how the low-frequency brain waves of the participants become synchronized. Brain
synchronization enables seamless cooperation, and is necessary for creating both harmonic
music and movement. The ability to become attuned to another person’s brain frequency is
essential for the function of any empathetic community.” As stated above dance helps to
improve our cognitive ability. Dance has been present in the Caribbean for centuries ever since
the time of the indigenous people and until now the folk dances are still practiced. It is a method
of expression and passing down culture and history for most of the different cultures present in
the Caribbean.
Poetry, if we let it and embrace it, can offer us a way to empathize with one another. In its
immediacy, poetry is a counselor helping us to understand one another. Leading us away from
hate to love, from violence to mercy and pity. In the 1920s Caribbean, Spanish and French
Caribbean writers began to break away from European ideals and to identify themselves with
their fellow West Indians, most of whom were black. This started to signify a period of
independence for the Caribbean people from their European oppressors. The leaders of this
movement, mainly poets, were Luis Palés Matos (Puerto Rico), Jacques Roumain (Haiti),
Nicolás Guillén (Cuba), Léon Damas (French Guiana), and Aimé Césaire (Martinique). Where
would the Caribbean be if not for these men? The British Caribbean, developing its national
literature after 1945, made its own contribution in the folk dialect novel men such as Vic Reid,
Samuel Selvon, George Lamming and V.S. Naipaul. All of these famous and well renowned
poets and writers have help the Caribbean people break free of the shackles of oppression.