1. The United States in the Caribbean

3. U.S. – Puerto Rico Relations Puerto Rico has been a U.S. commonwealth since 1952. As such, its residents are citizens of the United States and can vote in presidential elections. Puerto Ricans are represented in Congress, although their commissioner does not vote. They also elect a local government to head the island’s government. Puerto Ricans do not pay federal income tax, but they do pay customs taxes. Periodically, Puerto Rico holds elections to determine its political future. In an election in 1998, the people chose to remain a commonwealth though a large minority wanted full statehood. Some Puerto Ricans advocate complete independence from the United States. Why would Puerto Ricans want to stay a commonwealth? Why would some want to be a full state in the United States? Why would some want to be completely independent?

5. U.S. – Virgin Islands The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory. They are citizens of the U.S., but they can’t vote in presidential elections. Residents there elect a local governor, but the governor must answer to the federal government of the U.S. Like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands are represented in Congress by a nonvoting commissioner. How are the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands the same in Political Affairs? How are they different?

6. Economic Development in Caribbean Market economies Mostly tourism, agricultural – Sugar, bananas, cacao, citrus fruits CARICOM – Caribbean Community and common market Used to promote industry and trade

7. Cuba Communist Exception

8. Fidel Castro The dominating force in Cuba for 50 years

9. U.S. Cuban Relationship

10. Cuban Refugees to USA 90 miles to freedom

11. Aroldis Chapman Cuban Defector “The Cuban Missile”