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Population Control is the key to the development of Caribbean societies.

Assess this claim with reference to any named Caribbean country/countries.




Population Control can be described as the implementation of measures and policies to
control the growth, or decrease, of a countrys population. Collectively, the Caribbean
islands are home to approximately forty (40) million people. Many of these countries
have yet to attain developed status, which may be due to the fact that they have yet to
become industrialized and possess a somewhat mono-crop culture. As such, it can be said
that the Caribbeans most valuable resource is its human resource which, if properly
developed, may give way to social and economic development.
There are many ways in which a country or its government may attempt to control its
population. Firstly, birth control measures may be implemented, such as contraceptives
and sexual education in order to help keep the birth rate from rising. Secondly, the
government may implement policies and family planning in order to ensure that
individuals adhere to reproductive laws to keep population in check. For example,
government may stipulate that households or families may only produce a maximum of
two children, or be ordered to pay a fine or face persecution while family planning will
help families to plan their families based on their incomes and living conditions.
The history of Caribbean development may be represented by the Demographic
Transition Theory (DTT). According to the DTT, the changes in Caribbean population
can be attributed to the effects of industrialization. However, the Plantation Society
Theory, created by George Beckford and Lloyd Best, can argue that the Caribbean may
have experienced industrialization to a certain extent but is still reliant on a mono-crop
culture, which can be traced back to the structure of the plantation economy.
Demographic development and change of population in the Caribbean may be assessed
in many ways. For instance, the crude birth rates or the crude death rates in countries may
be examined but they may not paint the complete picture since many other factors, other
than simple population statistics, contribute to development in a country. Take Guyana,
one may assume that with an extremely low population (3.8 people per sq. kilometer) that
government may be better able to use or control resources and utilize manpower
effectively. This is not the case, however, since many persons live in conditions which
are describes as worse than third-world and rely on sustenance farming for survival.
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Now take Cuba, a country whose population density is above one hundred (100)
people per square kilometer. In Cuba, as compared to Guyana, the average person makes
2.6 times more money, is twice as likely to become employed, is two times less likely to
contract HIV/AIDS and lives an average of eleven (11) years longer. Also, Cuba is
renowned for its excellent health care. This may be attributed to the fact that instead of
focusing on extractive, primary industries (Such as gold and bauxite in Guyana) Cuba has
opted to develop its human resources through education and vocational programs.
A better tool with which to measure population control may be the Human
Development Index (HDI). HDI is a composite of life expectancy, income and education
to rank countries levels of development. Currently, the Caribbean ranks positively based
on HDI since eleven (11) of all fifteen (15) CARICOM states are rated as having a High
or Very High HDI.
There are many ways in which a country can try to develop its human resource. Firstly,
a country must ensure that its population is healthy and available for work. This helps to
increase the total number of citizens available for employment. This can be done via the
provision of proper healthcare and nutrition on order to help citizens receive proper
treatment for and avoid diseases, illnesses and accidents.
Secondly, a country is more likely to experience development if it possesses a skilled
workforce. This can be procured through the encouragement and provision of easily
accessible academic and vocational studies to citizens. An example of this is in Trinidad
where tuition and training was made free to many persons through the Government
Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) program.
Finally, a countrys human resource pool must be developed socially. What this means
is that citizens must be taught and encouraged to co-exist and there must be cohesion
among all groups in order to avoid conflict. Also, citizens must be made to feel secure
through the provision of services such as protective services.
There are many other factors, other than the human resource, which can be held
responsible for the development of Caribbean countries. One of these is the existence of
scenic beaches and natural beauty which is a magnet to tourists seeking vacation. Also,
there are many festivals and activities which also help to stimulate tourism, such as
Carnival.
Another factor is the availability of natural resources such as bauxite in Guyana and
Oil in Trinidad and Tobago, which has helped to generate much needed funds for
development through primary business activities. It must be noted, however, that these
resources are very limited and may not be able to provide sustainable development but
rather short-term development.
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In closing, although many factors may be responsible for the development of the
Caribbean, the one which has made the greatest impact is the human resource. What
makes the human resource the most viable resource and sets it apart from all the others is
the fact that it can be developed, controlled and is virtually unlimited.