Advertising by Sector

The advertisers recorded were grouped by sector in order to afford comparative analysis. The eleven sectors used were Telecom, Financial, Furniture & Furnishings, Hardware & Home Improvement, Automotive, Government, Wholesalers / Supermarkets / Food & Beverage, Energy, Haberdashery / Jewellery, Media and Various. The ‘Various’ category was used to group unique advertisers who each accounted for less than 1 percent of total full page advertising over the period.

 

From the table, the second week of this analysis saw an increase in the number of full page ads geared towards the Christmas season.

Telecom Advertising

From the data collected, the telecom sector dominated print advertising over the recorded period. This sector accounted for 42 percent of full page advertising in Week 1 and 33 percent in Week 2. It must be noted that the drop was not due to a reduced number of full page ads, with 149 and 164 in Week 1 and 2 respectively, but rather, was as a result of increased advertising in other sectors.

To anyone who reads a newspaper it comes as no surprise that the ads within the telecom sector were almost entirely shared between bmobile and Digicel. In terms of full page telecom ads, in Week 1 bmobile had 49 percent overall and this dropped by 12 percent to 37 percent in Week 2. The converse is true for Digicel who demonstrated a 12 percent increase with 42 percent in Week 1 going to 54 percent overall in Week 2.

After a TT$ 1 billion dollar GSM upgrade and an intense marketing campaign, bmobile recently declared that it had achieved its stated target of one million customers in T&T. In a recent article, Digicel declared that it has invested TT$1.9 billion thus far. The use of print advertising in both these campaigns is justified by the 2006 cds Media Trace Report findings where 81 percent of the respondents indicated that they read a newspaper at least four days a week.

This kind of intense and substantial advertising war has never been demonstrated in the local print media before. These trends are demonstrative of the large advertising campaigns waged by both companies in their attempts to corner the mobile market. The demonstrated step-up and step-down by Digicel and bmobile respectively over the two measured periods may be indicative of how successful each of the companies has been coming to the end of the year. As the Christmas season unfolds it is expected that both companies will engage in innovative print advertising campaigns apart from regular newspaper advertising.

The Christmas Season

With November marking the start of the Christmas season, the various advertisers have stepped up their print presence in an effort to capture the consumers’ ‘Christmas dollar’. This is validated by the fact that the largest increases from Week 1 to Week 2 were demonstrated by the Furniture & Furnishings, Hardware & Home Improvement, Wholesalers / Supermarkets / Food & Beverage and Haberdashery / Jewellery advertisers.

The Local Media Market

There was an interesting increase in terms of advertising in the media sector. The absence of this sector in the first recorded week was offset by a significant presence in the second week. This was mostly driven by the marketing campaign launched by the newest media body on the local market – the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG). Having officially launched its television station at the end of September, the state-run media group has actively commenced its marketing campaign.

With the net worth of all print and electronic advertising locally last year standing at an estimated TT$ 448.6 million, local media houses have stepped up to compete for percentages of this revenue. CNMG accounted for 66 percent of Week 2 media ads with advertising messages highlighting their television station CNMG-TV and their recently launched – Radio 91.1FM Talk City. CNMG is campaigning aggressively to establish a media presence. In so doing, they have declared their intention to capture a significant part of the local media market.

CNMG’s marketing focus on its talk radio facet in 91.1FM Talk City is in itself a significant occurrence. At the time of the 2006 cds Media Trace Report, 91.1FM was not yet in operation. However, their entrance into the talk radio market is supported by the 2006 cds Media Trace Report that shows 37% of the respondents indicating that they prefer talk radio.

Financial Advertising

Financial companies accounted for 18 percent of full page advertising in Week 1 and 11 percent in Week 2. In terms of the banks, First Citizen’s Bank maintained the biggest sustained presence over both weeks with 19 and 12 percent of financial advertising in Week 1 and Week 2 respectively. Cds’ research saw the Unit Trust Corporation increase their overall ad presence four-fold from Week 1 to Week 2. CLICO was the only company that recorded a significant drop due to an intense campaign recorded over Week 1 that included 19 full page ads, which was reduced considerably to 4 full page ads in Week 2.

Government Advertising

Comparatively there was only one significant decrease in advertising and this was demonstrated within the Government sector. There were 80 full page ads in Week 1 which dropped to 40 by Week 2. This was largely due to a number of ads appearing in Week 1 for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (STTE) which were not repeated in the second week of recording. The research noted that the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) ads decreased from 13 full page ads in Week 1 to 8 full page ads in Week 2.

The Worth of an Ad

In general, the rates paid for print advertising vary by a number of factors including the newspaper advertised with, the frequency of appearance and a choice between specifications such as weekday or weekend appearance and black and white or full colour ads. Also, readers must note that corporate advertisers usually purchase blocks of advertising space resulting in reduced rates.

In an effort to quantify the findings, Cds calculated the average rate for the one-time appearance of a full colour, full page ad (regardless of the other pricing factors) to be approximately $ 8,750. This implies that for Week 2 when advertising increased, the total full page advertising had an estimated market value of more than $ 4.3 million. Projected over a year this represents potential advertising revenues in excess of $ 226 million. It is no surprise therefore that, in general, newspapers aim at a 7:3 ratio in terms of advertising to editorial space.

This analysis of the advertising trends present in the print media is demonstrative of the marketing strategies employed by the various companies. Caribbean Development Strategies has shown the effect of the ‘mobile wars’ waged between the two major competitors on the quantum of print advertising purchased. We have also verified the fact that consumer demands are influenced by national events such as Christmas.

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Carniomics – The New Economics of Carnival
by Clarence Jagroopsingh, Research Analyst, Caribbean Development Strategies

Coming out of the Christmas season, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival celebrations are the focal point of the national consciousness. Sights, sounds and activities are now moulded into “the Greatest Show on Earth”. We may all recognise and participate in this national festival, but how many of us have really paid attention to the economics of Carnival?

Let’s talk business.

Background

Carnival began as a Catholic celebration in Italy called “carnevale” which means “to put away the meat”. As a wild costume party the day before the start of fasting during Lent, this practice spread to the other Catholic nations in Europe. As the French settlers began to arrive in Trinidad around 1785, they brought “carnevale” with them. Gatherings were held where the planters put on masks, wigs, and other decorations and danced the night away.

The African slaves recognised this practice as being parallel to their own cultural traditions of parading in costumes and masks. They began their own celebrations and incorporated their own traditions of using grasses, beads, shells and feathers to make costumes. In 1838, when slavery was abolished, the free Africans took their celebrations to the streets. Since then Carnival has grown as a major part of our national identity and has grabbed the attention of the world.

Far from the days of grass and feathers, Carnival has grown into big business. Every aspect of this celebration has a commercial aspect that is explored with each successive year towards earning revenue. A national celebration that was tethered to religion and African heritage has been transformed into a goliath of capitalism to be conquered by profiteers.

Mas Bands

Mas Bands represent the focal point of Carnival and, apart from creative expression and fun-loving revellers; they generate mega-profits. This year, extra-large bands of over 3,000 persons (all size categorisations are National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) specified) have an average individual cost of TT$2,000 to TT$4,000. With an estimate of 5 extra-large bands comprising at least 3,000 persons each, this translates to a minimum TT$ 45 million dollars in revenue.

With large bands comprising of 1001 to 3000 persons at an individual cost of TT$1,500 to TT$2,500, medium-sized bands comprising of 301 to 1000 persons at an individual cost of TT$700 to TT$1,500, and with small bands comprising of 51 to 300 persons to mini-bands with 11 to 50 persons absorbing the remaining Carnival masqueraders at low cost, the revenue derived by Mas bands alone can be expected to approach the TT$100 million dollar mark this year.

There is a lot of money to be made around the focal point of Mas bands apart from the bands themselves. A beehive of artisans, performers, DJs, transportation, security forces, sanitary workers and street vendors surround these bands to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in income. The spider-web of economic activity centred around a Mas band is often as substantial as the band itself.   

Carnival Fetes

Carnival fetes have grown in significance over the years and from January 6^th to February 24^th 2007 there will be no less than 300 Carnival fetes in Trinidad and Tobago. Big fetes, with an estimated crowd of between 2,000 and 10,000 persons cost TT$60 – TT$ 120. Admission revenues to these fetes alone will range in the millions, and with patrons expected to spend at least TT$150 each on food and drinks, this adds up to further millions in potential revenue.

All-inclusive and now, ultra-inclusive fetes, have risen to prominence in recent years, especially given concerns regarding crime. On average, a ticket to an all-inclusive fete will cost between TT$300 and TT$700 and with crowds in the range of 200 to 2,500 persons, this add up to estimated average earnings of TT$ 625,000 per all-inclusive. With no less than 50 of these all-inclusive parties this year, this translates to over TT$30 million in revenue to these organisers.

The Performers

These fetes also represent a lucrative financial avenue for performers, who are the linchpins of these fetes. Promoters who hire top notch artistes like Machel Montano HD, Bunji Garlin, Destra Garcia and Shurwayne Winchester are almost guaranteed a sell-out event. With appearance fees in the range of TT$ 5,000 to TT$ 10,000, top acts make top dollar, chalking up two to three appearances on any Carnival weekend.

Bands and lesser-known artistes also cash in on the fete industry with big name bands raking in fees in the range of TT$ 15,000 per performance and average artists earning up to TT$ 2,000 per gig. For many of these performers, the carnival season represents a welcome windfall. Altogether, the Carnival season adds up to big bucks for the performers who make it memorable.    

Sponsors

Sponsors also line up to eke out the most mileage from the Carnival product. Carib, Stag, bmobile, Digicel, Angostura, Toyota, Johnnie Walker, Hennessey, Blue Waters, Smirnoff Ice and Fernandez, to name just a few, are partnering with fete organisers and band leaders in an effort to capitalise on publicity and revenue within the Carnival market.

Carib Brewery is sponsoring over 70 events for Carnival 2007 including a number of all-inclusive fetes. Digicel and bmobile have also taken their rivalry into the Carnival arena as they have become big-time sponsors of various Carnival events. Carnival is big business and these sponsors are ensuring that they get their piece of the pie. 

With giant corporate sponsors like these in the mix, top-billing artists are headlining Carnival marketing campaigns. More exclusive powerhouse partnerships, for instance the coupling between bmobile and Machel Montano HD are now commonplace. 

The Tents

Tents are also a cornerstone of the Carnival psyche and represent and avenue where aficionados of the local performing arts enjoy the latest offerings of their favourite artistes. This year there are some twenty Kaiso and Humorous Tents across the country, looking to capitalise on the popularity of the nation’s calysonians, soca and chutney artistes and comedians.

Government Subventions

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago plays an important role in ensuring that Carnival celebrations are successful. Government subventions, as dispensed through the Ministry of Culture and relevant agencies such as the National Carnival Commission (NCC), seek to maintain and develop the Greatest Show on Earth. This year, the overall budget for NCC, which includes NCC’s Administrative and all related Carnival costs, is a reported TT$ 79 million.

Mainstream cultural organisations receive support through these mechanisms, such as PanTrinbago who received TT$ 11 million in 2006. Most importantly, this financial support from Government ensures the sustainability of Carnival celebrations at a grassroots level, such as regional Carnival celebrations.      

Tourism

Visitors to our country represent a viable means of income with capacity bookings during this season.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, in terms of Carnival visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, there were 40,455 in 2004, 42,000 in 2005 and 40,000 in 2006. This year, there are expected to be between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors stemming from an intense marketing campaign, catalysed by the attention brought via our appearance in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals held in Germany.

With an average tourist expenditure of TT$306 per day in 2004, this figure is expected to rise to an estimated TT$400 given the effects of inflation on the cost of living. For a two-week stay, this translates to staggering potential revenue base of TT$ 308 million. This year, when these visitors leave after the Carnival season, the revenues from Departure Tax at the airport alone will add up to millions of TT dollars. 

The Ministry of Tourism’s figures for 2004, estimated for a two-week stay, showed that German visitors spent TT$6,000, averaging 10% more than Americans who spent TT$5,400 and 160% more than Canadians who spent TT$ 2,300. This is good news for local businesses, given that many of the increased visitors this year are expected to arrive from Germany, as a result of heavy tourism marketing.

Many sectors of the economy benefit from these tourists including local artisans, restaurants and the hotels where these guests stay. Visitors can spend anywhere from TT$300 to over TT$1,000 per night at one of these hotels and the average stay of these visitors is in the range of 1 to 2 weeks. The intense economic activity surrounding Carnival tourism is often the most viable source of income over an annual period. 

The Sustainable Industry

To locals and visitors alike, Carnival offers a plethora of activities to become immersed in. Apart from the fetes, kaiso and humour tents and actual Carnival Monday and Tuesday celebrations, there are events like the Calypso Monarch, Calypso Queen, Young King, Panorama Finals, Junior Panorama Finals, Soca Monarch, Road March and the Groovy Soca Monarch that have a viable lasting effect on participants and witnesses alike. Apart from the prizes to be won by the participants of these events, there are a number of long-terms benefits to be derived.

Last year saw a number of entertainers including, Roy Cape, Kes Dieffenthaller, Black Stalin, Rikki Jai representing Trinidad and Tobago as part of the support for the Soca Warriors in the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. Mas band leaders – the Mas Men – are also getting involved, and after local celebrations, they head out to get involved in other international events. Sterling examples of this are local heroes like Peter Minshall and Stephen Derek.

Performers in the Panorama competitions were traditionally comprised of temporary workers who made money sporadically. Being a steelpan player was never viewed as a profession, but due to the economic viability of Carnival, this has changed. A journey from the start of Carnival celebrations to the end of the Panorama Finals will cost one of the bigger bands in the region of TT$ 1 million. Many bands now do international tours as demonstrated by Phase II Pan Groove in 2006, when they embarked on an international tour in addition to making appearances on German television and BBC.

Those who stand out in Trinidad and Tobago celebrations remain in demand well after the local season, leading to year-round economic viability. The architects of the local industry are in demand for Carnival celebrations in other Caribbean nations as well as parts of Canada, United States and Europe. The international demand for our local talent and expertise has led to the formation of a viable year-round industry that supports a significant part of our entertainment industry. 

Employment

Carnival and its impacts upon the economy are as dynamic as they are consequential. During Carnival, a great deal of seasonal employment is generated in almost every sector of this entertainment leviathan. Carnival celebrations over the years have led to the development of persons with specialised skills, as well as a series of spin-off economic activities that sometimes extend beyond the local Carnival season.

There are artisans involved in Mas production as well as those catering to the tourist market, security personnel, transportation, street vendors and clean-up crews just to name a few. It is difficult to assess, in exact measures, just how many persons derive revenue either directly or indirectly from the Carnival season, but the number is clearly significant.   

The Transformation of Carnival

Carnival has not only undergone a transformation in terms of trying to maximise its economic viability, but it has also received a modern facelift. The introduction of technology, especially the internet, is apparent and this tool has been used for a variety of purposes ranging from marketing the event to a global audience as well as for the sale of costumes by leading Mas bands etc. This year, T&T Carnival will be viewed by the world via the entertainment channels on international cable television. 

The roots of this national festival are spreading to meld various aspects of national, regional and even international culture. This is demonstrated by the fusion of previously indo-centric chutney music with traditional styles like soca and calypso as well as the incorporation of regional and international performers as part of the Carnival celebrations. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival has grown into a global entertainment event.

The Billion Dollar Event

It can be seen from the economic aspects of Carnival discussed here, as well as advertising, transportation, liquor sales, merchandising etc.; Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has grown into a billion dollar industry.

No other single national event has far reaching socio-economic impact as Carnival, and the avenues for economic gain are far from being exhausted. Carniomics represents the measurement of vast financial influence of this significant sector of our economy.

Caribbean Development Strategies is one of the Caribbean’s leading Market Research and Consultancy Firms. For more information please feel free to contact us at (868) 665 9984 or info@cdsonline.biz. You can also visit us online at www.cdsonline.biz.

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Crime Central – Worry, Fear and Dissatisfaction
by Clarence Jagroopsingh, Research Analyst, Caribbean Development Strategies

Worry about crime, fear of being attacked, dissatisfaction with the Government’s approach to crime and a lack of confidence in the Police Service where some of the major findings of a recently concluded Crime Risk Assessment Survey conducted by Caribbean Development Strategies Limited (cds).

In the period 13th to15th February 2007, cds conducted the crime risk assessment in Chaguanas. This survey, which had a sample frame of 167 business places, sought to capture the business community’s viewpoint on crime and how it has directly affected them. The businesses sampled were randomly selected via face-to-face interviews conducted in areas including Chaguanas, Montrose, Charlieville and Enterprise.

According to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) 2004 Pocket Digest, there were 1,370 registered business establishments in the Borough of Chaguanas. Our sample of 167 represents a significant 12 percent of this figure. Cds believes that through the analysis of this commercial microcosm, we can have an unbiased appreciation of the perception of crime by certain sectors of the national business community.

Survey Demographics

Of the persons interviewed in the various business places, 46 percent were owners, 34 percent were managers and 20 percent were senior employees. Many of the Chaguanas businesses had women in either ownership or a senior position as overall the respondents were 58 percent female and 42 percent male.

In terms of employment, 72 percent employed between 1 and 5 persons, 19 percent employed between 6 and 10 persons and the remaining 9 percent had more than 10 employees. Many of the businesses have been established for a significant period of time as 46 percent have been open for over 10 years, 21 percent between 5 and 10 years, 21 percent between 2 and 5 years with the remainder existing for 2 years or less.

This demographic information facilitates examination principles such as trend analysis, and allows for formation of conclusions based on the responses.

The Effect of Crime

When asked about how worried they were about crime, an overwhelming 94 percent were ‘very worried’ while the remaining 6 percent stated that they were ‘not very worried’. This statistic confirms the reality of the crime situation in Chaguanas. In terms of being negatively affected by crime, 68 percent indicated that they were ‘very affected’, 24 percent said they were ‘slightly affected’ and 7 percent were ‘not at all affected’.

An alarming 49 percent of the sample stated that their business place had been directly attacked by criminals. With one in every two businesses interviewed having been attacked, those most at risk were supermarkets, pharmacies, jewellers, small food outlets, vegetable/fruit stalls and pet stores. For these businesses, low security and cash-in-hand are the common criminal temptations.

Regarding the direct effects of crime on the business place, 71 percent stated that they were forced to operated under reduced business hours, 70 percent indicated that they had experienced a loss in sales and 66 percent had incurred increased security costs. However, it must be noted that 68 percent indicated that they had not experienced a loss in staff due to the effects of crime.    

How Long Now?

Cds then sought to determine the time frame of the perceived growth of crime. Overall, 53 percent of the interviewees responded that crime became a major concern between the last 2 to 5 years. A significant 37 percent indicated that crime as a national concern has existed for over 5 years now.

The reported time frame for the apparent growth in crime parallels the 15 percent increase in the number of businesses in Chaguanas between 2002 and 2004. This points to a ‘mobility’ aspect of crime and implies that criminals move to areas where crime is more ‘profitable’. This relationship could explain why most respondents believe that crime has escalated between the last 2 to 5 years.

The Conceivable Contraction of Chaguanas

The growth of Chaguanas has been documented in a number of publications including the March 2001 UdeCOTT Chaguanas Local Area Plan (available at www.nalis.gov.tt/ ExecutiveSummary_ChaguanasLocalAreaPlan-.html) and a July 2004 article by Afra Raymond (available at http://www.raymondandpierre.com/articles/article23.htm).

The Chaguanas Local Area Plan highlighted the dynamic expansion including a forecasted population increase from 91,000 in 2000 to 126,000 by 2020 and an increase in employment from 35,000 jobs in 2000 to 55,000 jobs over the same period. From the article by Afra Raymond it can be seen that the price of real estate generally doubled from 2000 to 2004. Between 2002 and 2004, the CSO Business Survey Establishment Register recorded the number of business establishments in Chaguanas as follows:

Despite these trends, the current results of the cds crime risk assessment point to a possible socio-economic contraction of Chaguanas as a direct result of crime. When asked if they would be investing in expanding their businesses over the next 12 to 18 months, a considerable 71 percent said ‘no’, 12 percent said ‘yes’ and 17 percent chose not to respond.

When questioned as to their most likely option were crime to continue at its present rate, 37 percent said that they would ‘operate as normal’, 31 percent said that they would ‘close operations’, 11 percent would opt to ‘sell the business’, 8 percent would ‘keep the business but migrate’, 1 percent said they would ‘move the business from Chaguanas’ with the remainder choosing not to respond.

From these results, it is clear that if the current trend of crime goes unchecked, the positive growth expected for Chaguanas might not be realised. This is significant to the social and economic health of the area and crime must be reduced if the area is to achieve its stated potential.     

The Fear of Crime 

Apart from the economic effects of crime, there is also a tangible psychological effect that is equally consequential. In attempting to measure the degree of fear manifest in the Chaguanas business community, respondents was asked about how fearful they were of they or someone they know being a victim of crime. As can be seen from the following results, most of the surveys respondents were ‘very fearful’ with regard to the threats listed.

Stemming from this fear, and given the current perceived crime situation, the likely reaction by the business community was gauged. In responding to what they would most likely do, 40 percent indicated that they would consider leaving the country and 4 percent indicated that they had already begun the process of emigration. An optimistic outlook pervades however, as 55 percent have decided to stay and wait for the situation to improve. 

It must be noted that during some of the face-to-face interviews, there was a tangible emotion surrounding crime that could not be quantified. One business owner and resident of Chaguanas tearfully related an incident where her young child was held at gunpoint while the family was being robbed. Another young man indicated that he was closing his business the very next day because of the threats to his life stemming from crime in the area.  

The fear of crime in Chaguanas is having a psychological effect where the quality of life for many business persons has been reduced. In addition, crime and the resulting fear are threatening the economy with the possibility of capital flight and losing the benefits of entrepreneurship.   

The Role of the Government and Police

The populace expects the elected government to provide key essential services and a range of support services. Apart from health, education and other necessities, the government is expected to uphold law and order and maintain control over crime. The police service is regarded as the conduit via which this control is exercised by the government.

Cds sought to determine the satisfaction rating with regard to the government’s approach to handling crime. As can be seen from the chart, 91 percent of the respondents expressed some level of dissatisfaction with the government’s performance in handling the crime situation in Chaguanas.

The survey questioned the business community as to their belief that the crime situation was solvable by government action. 56 percent indicated that they believed that it could be solved by government action while 42 percent disagreed. Many of those who did not believe that the solution of crime was solely dependent on government action alluded to a more holistic approach where the government empowers private sector and community groups involved in crime prevention and community protection.

In ascertaining a confidence rating of the business community with regard to the police service, 57 percent were ‘not at all confident’, 25 percent were ‘not very confident’ 17 percent were ‘fairly confident’ and none of the respondents indicated that they were ‘very confident’. Overall, it is obvious that both the government and the police service lack the satisfaction and confidence of the Chaguanas business community in handling the current crime situation.

In remedying this situation, the respondents were asked if they agreed or not to certain suggestions. 98 percent stated that they wanted to see a ‘greater police presence in the community’ and 93 percent supported an ‘anti-crime coalition by all stakeholders in Chaguanas’. A significant percentage also indicated that they wanted both the Mayor and Member of Parliament of Chaguanas to take a more active role.

Fighting Back

The call for a national shutdown by social activist Inshan Ishmael was seen as a positive move in the fight against crime by 74 percent of the business persons interviewed. In fact, 97 percent of those who supported the initial national shutdown said that they would support a similar action in the future.

Within recent weeks public personalities and certain politicians have publicly advocated the right for law-abiding citizens to bear arms. Of the business persons interviewed, 59 percent agreed with the call for law-abiding citizens to have the right to bear arms and 84 percent said ‘yes’ to the question, “Should the law be amended such that the criminal use of guns becomes subject to the application of the death penalty?”

When asked about the significance of the recent Parliamentary Legislation, the DNA Act and the Witness Protection Act, in the fight against crime, both pieces of legislation received a favorable response of 95 percent and 86 percent respectively.  

The Major Causes

Caribbean Development Strategies asked the participants to affirm or negate suggestions for the major causes of crime today. These causes are presented with the accompanying percentages of agreement and disagreement.

What I Would Do

The survey then derived the perspectives of the business community with regard to what measures they saw as being important in the fight against crime. The measures, all of which were deemed important, are represented as follows:

The final aspect of the survey involved cds asking the respondents to put forward their main suggestion with regard to dealing with crime. 34 percent zeroed in on the police with a substantial call for police reform and a request for greater police presence. Another 22 percent of those interviewed pointed to stiffer penalties and half of these pointed to the use of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime.

A myriad of other suggestions were proposed and included a change of government, business people arming themselves, ending corruption, strengthening morals and values, a call for national unity and prayer.

Conclusion

Beneath the media generated publicity and public forum discussions, there exist a real and pervasive feelings of hopelessness, fear and dissatisfaction with regard to the current crime situation.

As with any microcosm, the Chaguanas business community is a representative system having parallels to the larger system. Following the analysis of the data, the country is facing a significant obstacle in crime, an obstacle which could threaten to undermine the benefits of the current pace of development.

The opinions of the business community in the cds Crime Risk Assessment for Chaguanas support the fact that crime is a substantial socio-economic threat that must be dealt with before it becomes insurmountable.   

Caribbean Development Strategies is one of the Caribbean’s leading Market Research and Consultancy Firms. To purchase a copy of the full report based on this survey or for any information please contact us at (868) 665 9984 or info@cdsonline.biz. You can also visit us online at www.cdsonline.biz.

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