International migration
By Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Members of Hopewell High School's student governance body. From left are Keline Dias, peer leader; Kashena Williams, student council representative and prefect; Kadiesha Gordon, peer leader; and Shannakay Watt, student council representative and peer leader. - Photo by Claudine Housen

As promised in the last lesson, I wish to conclude objective eight of 'Population and Settlement'. It requires you to describe the pattern and consequences of international migration in one named Caribbean country within the last 20 years. I have already shared some information on the pattern of international migration as this relates to Jamaica. The consequences of international migration include the following factors:

(i) Remittances - Labour migration is often regarded as the most economically beneficial form of migration to the areas of origin. This is due to the remittances that labour migrants send to their families, who remain in the area of origin. Taken at a national scale, these remittances can be very substantial (Hazel R. Barrett). Here are some facts that were given at different times in the media on the importance of remittance to the Jamaican economy:

• An 11 per cent increase in remittance for the month of September year-on-year has helped boost Jamaica's trade balance, narrowing the deficit on the current accounts by US$3.6 billion. (Financial Gleaner 26/01/07)
  
  
• The September 2006 trade gap was further offset by private transfers, including remittance inflows of almost US$135 million. (Financial Gleaner 26/01/07)
  
  
• Remittance continues to grow. The money is used mainly for personal expenses, school fees and utility bills.

(ii) Tourism - Overseas Jamaicans who return to visit friends and relatives are officially counted as tourists and support an important part of the tourist industry. In Jamaica, they made up 6.5 per cent of tourist arrivals, in 2003. They may stay in hotels or with their relatives. They spend money on rented cars, restaurant meals or shopping (Mark Wilson).

(iii) Brain drain - Professional persons, such as teachers and health care workers, migrate to the U.S.A., U.K. and Japan. This has a negative impact on the country.

(iv) Returning residents - This group of people has a tendency to build elaborate houses. This impacts on the value of the land. In a real way, they help to develop their communities.

Go through your recommended textbooks and other available sources to identify additional factors.

As this is the last lesson before your external examinations, I would like to give you a few reminders:

• You will be writing two papers in the geography examinations.
  
  
• Paper one consists of 60 multiple-choice items drawn from all areas of the syllabus. Attempt all questions. Remember, this is not a guessing game. Read through the entire question carefully and then identify the key in the answers given. Do not be fooled by the distracters.
  
  
• Paper two is the composition paper comprising four sections, namely, A, B, C and D. Section A is the map-reading question, and it is the only compulsory question on the paper. You will have choices in the other sections B, C and D. You must answer a total of four questions, that is, map reading in section A, and one question from each of sections B, C and D.
  
  
• In reference to Paper two, do not begin to write as soon as you get the question paper. Read through the entire question paper and select the questions you are most prepared for, bearing in mind that a question must be selected from each section.
  
  
• Read the instructions carefully given at the beginning of the paper. Identify the key words or verbs in the question you choose to do, namely, describe, compare and list.
  
  
• Answer the easier questions first to boost your confidence.
  
  
• Observe the format of the question you are answering and write your answers accordingly.
  
  
• Use geographical terms in your responses.
  
  
• Use the marks allocated to each section to guide you in how much to write.
  
  
• Try to leave some time before the test is finished to review and correct errors.

I do trust that you have been doing short periods of studying, and you did not wait for the last minute to cram for the examinations. I am certain that you know that when you are well prepared, you will experience less stress.

I wish you all the very best in all your examinations and indeed, in your future endeavours.

Marjorie Henry is a vice-principal at Glenmuir High School and is head of the Geography Department. She teaches the subject at the CSEC Level.