This strand examines different government systems across the Caribbean including constitutional monarchies, republics, communism, and dependent territories. Students explore regional integration through CARICOM and OECS, trace the history from the West Indies Federation (1958) through CARIFTA to present-day organizations, and understand the social and economic benefits of regional cooperation.
Students will understand different government systems, the importance of regional integration through CARICOM and OECS, and their responsibilities as Caribbean citizens.
Students explore the variety of government systems found across the Caribbean, including constitutional monarchies, republics, communist systems, and dependent territories. They examine how these different structures of democracy affect citizens' lives.
By the end of Grade Five, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive approaches for diverse learners
Government Systems: Caribbean countries have diverse government systems. Constitutional monarchies (like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua) recognize the British monarch as head of state with a Governor-General as representative. Republics (like Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Guyana) have elected presidents. Cuba operates under a communist system. Dependent territories (British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat) remain linked to metropolitan powers.
Regional Integration History: The West Indies Federation (1958-1962) was the first attempt at Caribbean political union but dissolved due to disagreements over federal powers. CARIFTA (Caribbean Free Trade Association) was established in 1968 to promote economic cooperation. CARICOM (Caribbean Community) replaced CARIFTA in 1973 with broader goals including the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
OECS: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States was established in 1981 to promote unity among Eastern Caribbean nations. Member states share a common currency (Eastern Caribbean Dollar), coordinate policies in education, health, and foreign affairs, and have established the OECS Economic Union for deeper integration. The OECS includes both independent countries and British territories.
