Population policies in the Caribbean: present status and emerging issues
Micklin, M.
Social and Economic Studies 43(2): 1-32
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-7651 DOI: 10.2307/27865957Document Number: 504498
This paper examines the evolution of population policies in the Caribbean region and suggests directions for activites in this policy domain. The Caribbean context is described, including current socioeconomic and demographic conditions and trends. The major features of population policies of selected countries in the region are identified and a brief analysis of the extent to which these policies respond to the major demographic issues confronting the Caribbean nation is included. The Caribbean nations remain at a moderate level of social and economic development, and the past decade has shown only slight, uneven improvement. There are falling birth rates and already low death rates. The data suggest a variety of population issues for the Caribbean region. The increasing pattern of population concentration, the high level of emigration and the high birth rate are viewed as problematic in some of the countries while high mortality is of concern to half of them. The principal policy responses indicated include efforts to: reduce population growth, fertility and mortality rates; lower the level of emigration; and decelerate or reverse the trend towards the concentration of population in towns and cities. Superficial examination of socioeconomic and demographic conditions and trends suggests that population policies are not critical for improvements in social and economic well being. Serious demographic impediments to development do exist, including high rates of teenage fertility, youthful age structures with a rising proportion of people aged 65 and older, high population densities and significant emigration. National population policies in the region are highly variable, but generally reflect insufficient recognition of problematic demographic conditions and trends typical of microstates. Caribbean governments should give increased attention to the development of viable and effective population policies addressed to their particular demographic situation.