Total marks: 100 · Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- This paper consists of TWO sections, A and B.
- Section A consists of FOUR questions worth 14 marks each. Answer ALL FOUR questions. Questions 1 and 2 are on Individual, Family and Society; Questions 3 and 4 are on Sustainable Development and Use of Resources.
- Section B consists of TWO essay questions worth 22 marks each. Answer BOTH questions. Question 5 is on Individual, Family and Society; Question 6 is on Sustainable Development and Use of Resources.
- Where a question asks you to explain, suggest, discuss or assess, develop your response fully.
- In the January 2027 sitting this paper is "hybrid": you read the questions on screen and write your answers in the answer booklet.
- You are advised to spend about 20 minutes on each question in Section A and 35 minutes on each question in Section B.
Paper
Section A (56 marks)
Answer ALL FOUR questions in this section.
Question 1 — Individual, Family and Society
The family is considered the basic unit of Caribbean society, yet family structures have changed significantly in recent decades.
(a) Identify and explain TWO types of family structure, other than the nuclear family, found in Caribbean societies. (6 marks)
(b) Discuss TWO factors that have contributed to changes in Caribbean family structure over the past 30 years. (6 marks)
(c) State TWO functions of the family. (2 marks)
Total 14 marks
Question 2 — Individual, Family and Society
In one Caribbean territory, local government is organised as follows: the central government, through its Ministry of Local Government, oversees a number of parish councils and municipal corporations; each council is made up of councillors elected by the citizens of the area they represent.
(a) Define the term "local government". (2 marks)
(b) State TWO functions of a parish council or municipal corporation. (2 marks)
(c) Explain TWO ways in which citizens can participate in local government decision-making. (4 marks)
(d) Assess the importance of local government in promoting community development. (4 marks)
(e) State TWO differences between local government and central government. (2 marks)
Total 14 marks
Question 3 — Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Study the information below about population distribution in four parishes of a Caribbean territory (approximate numbers).
| Parish | Population | Area (km²) | Population density (persons per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston | 96,500 | 25 | 3,860 |
| St Andrew | 573,000 | 455 | 1,260 |
| Portland | 82,000 | 814 | |
| St Thomas | 94,000 | 743 | 127 |
(a) Define the term "population density". (2 marks)
(b) Calculate the population density of Portland, to the nearest whole number. (2 marks)
(c) Identify TWO push factors that may cause persons to migrate from Portland to Kingston. (2 marks)
(d) Explain TWO reasons why urban areas like Kingston have higher population densities than rural areas like Portland. (4 marks)
(e) Suggest THREE social problems that may result from high population density in urban areas. (3 marks)
(f) Suggest ONE measure a government could take to reduce rural–urban migration. (1 mark)
Total 14 marks
Question 4 — Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Study the case study below.
Coral Bay is a popular tourist destination on the northern coast of a Caribbean island. Over the past 15 years, the bay has suffered significant environmental damage. Coral reefs have been destroyed by unregulated boat anchoring and by sewage discharged from nearby hotels. Mangrove forests along the shoreline have been cleared to make way for beach expansion and resort construction. Local fishers report declining catches, and beach erosion has become a serious problem during the hurricane season.
(a) Identify TWO forms of environmental degradation described in the case study. (2 marks)
(b) Explain TWO ways in which the destruction of mangroves contributes to beach erosion. (4 marks)
(c) Suggest TWO measures that the government could implement to protect the coral reefs in Coral Bay. (2 marks)
(d) Define the term "sustainable development". (2 marks)
(e) Explain TWO ways in which tourism in Coral Bay could be made more sustainable. (4 marks)
Total 14 marks
Section B (44 marks)
Answer BOTH questions in this section.
Question 5 — Individual, Family and Society
(a) Explain what is meant by "socialisation". (2 marks)
(b) Describe THREE agents of socialisation, other than the family, and how EACH influences young people in the Caribbean. (9 marks)
(c) "The nuclear family is still the most important institution for socialising children in Caribbean society."
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. (11 marks)
Total 22 marks
Question 6 — Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Read the extract below about trade in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established in 1973 to promote economic integration and cooperation among member states. Despite this, intra-regional trade remains low, accounting for only a small share of members' total trade. Member states continue to import heavily from outside the region, particularly from North America and Europe. Factors such as inadequate transportation links, limited variety of production and a preference for foreign goods have hindered the growth of intra-regional trade.
(a) State the meaning of the term "intra-regional trade". (2 marks)
(b) Identify TWO objectives of CARICOM mentioned or implied in the extract. (2 marks)
(c) Explain TWO reasons why intra-regional trade in CARICOM remains low. (4 marks)
(d) Discuss THREE benefits that increased intra-regional trade could bring to Caribbean economies. (6 marks)
(e) Recommend TWO measures that CARICOM governments could take to increase intra-regional trade, and justify EACH recommendation. (8 marks)
Total 22 marks