How appropriate is it to describe the Caribbean as a third world region

The concept of “third world” often bears the implication or gives the broader picture of a ranking or categorical system of which the world’s countries or regions are placed. Certainly, the impression is given that there is a first and second world, though such terms are hardly mentioned. To some, it is an undesirable term or concept, and many shun from the notion of their country being referred to as third world territory; perhaps that is why the term “developing” or “underdeveloped” country is preferred. Nevertheless, the concept certainly attempts to stratify countries or territories based on some common characteristics and many of the world’s countries are categorized in that bracket, even the Caribbean region. But what constitutes third world? Should the Caribbean region be even considered third world? The Caribbean is a very diverse region divided within two groups based on location, namely; the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles. There are a total of 30 countries, all which share a similar or common heritage but there are also some stark differences as well, in areas such as; geography, resources, culture and population. The diversity in Caribbean culture and heritage comes from the its rich history dating all the way back to the late 15th century, when the islands were occupied and fought over by various European countries and native Amerindians, who it is believed to have first discovered the Indies. However it is the arrival of the Europeans that served as the catalyst for the change and development of the Caribbean region in to what it is today. Through their colonization and pursuit of gain and wealth, many different peoples and cultures were introduced to the Caribbean, notably the African blacks, who make up the majority of the Caribbean population. These early inhabitants all left their mark on Caribbean culture and way of life, whether through language, religion, race and ethnicity, etc., hence the reason for the diversity within the region. To label or consider the Caribbean third world would be to take into account all the different countries of the region and measure it against the attributes or characteristics of the “Third world.” So then what is third world? It is said that the term originated in the mid 1900’s and was supposed to refer to those nations, particularly in Asia and Africa, that did not align themselves with the polices of the western world such as the U.S. and the Soviet Union. However, over the years, the term has predominantly come to refer to underdeveloped or developing countries that are less advanced in almost all areas, such as economics, industry, politics, culture etc. The term is highly synonymous with poverty, as it is a way of categorizing the poorest nations of the world and is often economically dependent on the larger or more advanced countries. Scenes of poor infrastructure, high rates of unemployment, political instability, civil rights and inferior culture, are envisioned when considering third world countries. If we are to measure or examine the Caribbean based on its economic well-being and poverty level, then we ought to view the economic position of the countries that comprise the region. Indeed the countries of the Caribbean all have varying economic levels and activity; some are in a better economic position than others. Some countries are more productive than others because of the different resources that they command and are endowed with. For example Trinidad and Tobago which is a leading producer of oil and gas because of its petroleum and also Jamaica which is rich in bauxite and alumina. Though the Caribbean has been labeled as not being rich in natural resources, it’s Tourism and agricultural sectors have immensely contributed to its economy throughout the years. In reviewing the World Bank’s GDP per capita figures for 2013, (which is often a measure of the standard of living of the average person in country, for a period of time usually yearly) the country with the highest GDP per capita was The Bahamas, with US 21,908 and the lowest was Haiti with US 820. It can be noted that Haiti is on of the worlds poorest countries. However, the region’s Highest GDP per capita, pales in comparison to that of Developed Nations such as the Unites States, Canada and other countries whose average ranged in the Furthermore, Technological and infrastructural development is often considered lacking in third world territories. Many persons often judge or rank countries based on their infrastructure and technology, which to some extent is quite reasonable as we can often label countries or areas within our own country, as being “backward” if they fail to provide specific services, such as internet, which in today’s modern world is deemed a necessity. A coherent argument can be made to support the view that many of the world’s leading countries are ahead because of technological innovations, advancements and also infrastructural, transportation and communication services. Trains, underground or underwater subway stations, towering skyscrapers, space satellites, etc., are often traits or markers of “first world” countries, and a testament of their progress in today’s world. If the Caribbean were to be measured by such standards, then we certainly would be “found wanting.” The infrastructure in most Caribbean territories are poorly developed, particularly in rural areas where potholes in roads are quite prevalent ; access to certain communication, electrical services and in some cases even access to running water, are lacking in certain parts of territories. Also, the Caribbean cannot be described as leading in research and technology as little development in advanced technology is done in the region, which is technologically dependent on advanced territories such as the Unites States. Arguably, the region’s lack of infrastructure and technological advancement can be linked to its economic position, as a strong correlation exists between the two. Advanced territories can command the resources and investment into research and technology and their infrastructure, because they possess the finance and wealth to do so. As a country invests heavily in technology and infrastructure, productivity also increases and this further increase and country’s wealth and income. Since the Caribbean region’s income as measured in GDP per capita, as mentioned earlier, cannot be deemed high by general standards, its countries cannot afford to invest heavily in technology and infrastructure. Many of the countries resort to heavy borrowing from organizations like the Caribbean Development Bank, which can further put a strain on their respective economies due to increased deficits. In 2013, the president of the Caribbean Development bank, Dr Warren Smith, warned that seven Borrowing member countries comprising (Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Barbados, Dominica, Belize, Barbuda) debt levels had become unsustainable. Another important factor which must not be neglected in attributing third world status to any territory is that of political and civil rights, which entails freedom from discrimination and is at the heart of democracy. The importance of political and civil rights cannot be downplayed as a measure of a country’s status in the world today. Additionally, there is strong correlation between political freedom and economic prosperity (Freedom house, 2011), as greater political stability and freedom allows for increased investment and production. It is argued that most third world countries have little political and human rights and fall into the categories of “partly fee” and “non free”. (Smith) However, in the Caribbean region

Is The Caribbean Third world? Truly the Caribbean is unique in its diverse culture, location and the number of countries that form the region. This further makes it no simple task to analyze and assess the region as a whole, and some might even deem it unfair. However, they do share a common identity and history and so this serves to unite them. Given the level of evidence and the common characteristics they share in terms of their economy and development, it can indeed be argued that the Caribbean region fits or aligns with the characteristics of the third world by the general understanding or interpretation of the concept. If “third world” stands to imply countries which are not advanced or well developed in terms of economy, technology, ideology and infrastructure; then the Caribbean is certainly third world. The region is still developing and while some of its countries are less developed than others

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