The economic, political and cultural effects of United States’
imperialism in the English speaking Caribbean up to 1985.
Economic effects
The US has played an important role in Caribbean life since the 1600s
when its supplies of food and essential times were critical to plantation
economies. Economic links to the Caribbean became closer after 1939. Its
economic impact increased during World War 2 when military bases
were established in:
Trinidad and Tobago
Guyana
Antigua
St. Lucia
Jamaica
The Bahamas.
Wallerfield Air Force Base, Trinidad
These provided much needed employment, increased the circulation of money
and provided relief in an era when the region was plagued by high
unemployment, low wages and social and economic distress.
US multinational companies also invested in:
- The Trinidad oil industry (Texaco)
-The bauxite industries in Guyana (Kaiser)
-The bauxite industries in Jamaica (Alcoa and Reynolds)
Main gate to Pointe –a Pierre Camp, Texaco Trinidad
Texaco Trinidad - Robert Yarnall Richie Collection
The companies also invested in hotels and casinos across the region.
There were also American banks, insurance companies, airlines, and
cruise ships.
The US offered migration opportunities for many individuals whose
remittances form important revenue for some territories.
During the 1960s the US recruited skilled and domestic workers,
teachers, nurses and other professionals from the region. These migrants
provide markets for Caribbean foods and cultural products.
The US also offered business opportunities. Some tradesmen and women
purchased items in the US to stock their businesses in the Caribbean. The
country also provides aid through the 182 Caribbean Basin Initiative to
develop tourism and other areas.
POLITICAL EFFECTS
US policy in the region was centered on the preservation of democracy. It used
financial aid to encourage the spread of democratic institutions, and put political
pressure on countries which supported socialist or communist policies. The US
intervened British Caribbean territories which were under communist or
socialist influence:
1. Guyana (1955, 1960s)
2. Grenada (1983)
3. Jamaica under Michael Manley (1970s)
The US sponsored the formation of the Organization of American states of
which Caribbean countries are members and which provides various forms of
support to its members.
CULTURAL EFFECTS
US troops occupied six bases in the Caribbean during World War II and US
cultural influence has grown since with the development of mass media:
- Cable Tv
- Radio
- Cinema
- Newspapers
- Magazines
The impact is visible in sports, technology, music, dance, dress, film, news
and food. (Do you agree or disagree with this statement?)
-The influence of many territories former colonial masters in still reflected in
the education system ( syllabuses).
-US influence can also be seen as people go to the US to study and bring back
ideas. Basketball is a popular sport from the US.
-Americanisms are common in Caribbean language and the many fast food
chains have changed eating habits.
-US currency is accepted in all the territories and American living and leisure
practices are emulated in the region.
Jean and Dinah
Mighty Sparrow
Once more!
Take it away!
Well the girls in town feeling bad
No more Yankees in Trinidad
They going to close down the base for good
Them girls have to make out how they could
Brother it's now they park up in town
In for a penny, and in for a pound
Believe me, it's competition for so
Trouble in town when the price drop low
So when you bounce up:
Jean and Dinah, Rosita and Clementina
Round the corner posing
Bet your life is something they selling
And if you catch them broke
You can get it all for nothing
Don't make no row!
When the Yankees gone, the Sparrow take over now
Thing is bad is to hear them cry
Not a sailor in town, the night clubs dry
Only West Indians like me or you
Going to get a drink or two
And as we have things back in control
Ah seeking revenge with meh heart and soul
Brother I wanna spread the news aroun'
Is to see how them cavemen come into town
Just to meet with:
Jean and Dinah, Rosita and Clementina
Round the corner posing
Bet your life is something they selling
And if you catch them broken
You can get them all for nothing
Don't make no row!
When the Yankees gone, the Sparrow take over now
Once more!
It's the glamour boys again
We are going to rule Port of Spain
No more Yankees to spoil the fete
Dorothy have to take what she get
All of them who used to make style
Taking two shilling with a smile
No more hotel to rest your head
By the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread
Mama yo is:
Jean and Dinah, Rosita and Clementina
Round the corner posing
Bet your life is something they selling
And if you catch them broken
You can get them all for nothing
Don't make no row!
When the Yankees gone, the Sparrow take over now
Take it away!
Once more!
