STUDENT NAME: NANDINI MANSINGH

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 1600290644

SUBJECT: CARIBBEAN STUDIES

SCHOOL: IERE HIGH SCHOOL

CENTRE NUMBER: 160029

YEAR OF EXAMINATION: 2023

TEACHERS: STEPHEN LAKHRAM

ANAND MAHARAJ

TITLE: TO WHAT EXTENT HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC LED TO AN INCREASE

IN UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN AVOCAT, FYZABAD, SOUTH TRINIDAD.

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE NUMBER

INTRODUCTION 4

LITERATURE REVIEW 6

DATA COLLECTION 9

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 10

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 20

CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS & 23

LIMITATIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY 24

APPENDICES 25

2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Firstly, I would like to give praise and thanks to God, who has in this unprecedented time, kept

me safe, healthy, alive and well. I would also like to express gratitude to my family members for

supporting and keeping me going on those days when I felt like giving up. I would also like to

thank my community members for allowing this research to be a success. Furthermore, the

completion of my SBA wouldn’t have been accomplished without my teachers, Mr. Lakhram

and Mr. Maharaj.

Image of Southern part of Trinidad

3
INTRODUCTION:

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH:

In this study, the researcher aims to shed light on how the Covid-19 epidemic has affected the

rise in unemployment rates in Avocat, Fyzabad, and South Trinidad and to pinpoint the causes

and potential solutions for this problem. This study of the community is being undertaken in the

context of confidentiality. A widespread, terrible issue, unemployment has an impact on

potentially progressive people, families, communities, and societies. In order to reduce the

unemployment rate in the neighborhood, the researcher wants to identify a wide range of

techniques.

PROBLEM STATEMENT: To what extent has the Covid-19 Pandemic led to an increase

in unemployment rates in Avocat, Fyzabad, South Trinidad.

VALUE OF THE RESEARCH:

Members of the Avocat, Fyzabad Community could gain a lot from this study because it will

provide them more knowledge about methods for lowering unemployment. Students undertaking

research on unemployment would find this material interesting. Also, this information could help

the Ministry of Labor and Small Business Development reduce unemployment.

4
BACKGROUND:

Unemployment rates due to the Covid-19 Pandemic have impacted millions in the workforce. As

such, in conducting the CAPE Caribbean Studies School Based Assessment (SBA), the

researcher has chosen to assess “To what extent has the Covid-19 Pandemic led to an increase in

unemployment rates in Avocat, Fyzabad, South Trinidad”.

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covid-19) pandemic has become a realistic, undesirable

issue that is prevalent within the Avocat, Fyzabad Community in South Trinidad, it is in my

interest to conduct and carry out this research as a way of gaining knowledge about the

unemployment rates at hand and to also educate community members, societies and social

institutions such as family, education systems, government systems and health institutions on

how to strategically minimize or resolve the growing challenge.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS:

Unemployment - individuals who are employable and actively seeking a job but are unable to

find a job. Included in this group are those people in the workforce who are working but do not

have an appropriate job.

Unemployment rates- The unemployment rate is calculated by expressing the number of

unemployed persons as a percentage of the total number of persons in the labour force.

5
Pandemic- disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents. It affects more people

and takes more lives than an epidemic.

LITERATURE REVIEW

According to the “Caribbean COVID-19 Food Security & Livelihoods Impact Survey TRINIDAD

AND TOBAGO Summary Report | June 2021,” respondents from low-income households are

disproportionately affected by negative food security effects, with half having reduced food

intake and expenditure. They are also the ones that are most concerned about losing their jobs

and being unable to satisfy their basic needs such as food and shelter. In comparison to

households with average or higher incomes, they are considerably more likely to fulfill their food

demands at the price of selling productive assets and lowering expenditure on other priorities,

such as health and education. Men were found to be much less likely to earn income from

salaried work and livelihood disruptions seem to have been more widespread among them,

compared to women respondents. The early period of the pandemic saw many people having to

make many physical adjustments to their way of life. In April 2020, concerns about movement

as well as restrictions were the main factors influencing market access. As the pandemic

continued. They were relaxed over time; these concerns have become less widespread.

Respondents are buying cheaper or less preferred foods more frequently than at the beginning of

the pandemic. The pandemic has changed how people shop, but these changes have evolved over

time. Many respondents (84%) have changed their shopping behaviours. Respondents are also

6
increasingly resorting to delivery services (12%), buying smaller quantities (28%) and going to

different stores (36%) than at the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, more than half of the

English-speaking respondents in Trinidad and Tobago are spending less time shopping than

before the pandemic. Shopping behaviour shows more people are buying cheaper foods. In

article two, “Worries over runaway prices, unemployment,” ‘Control rising prices,’ this is what

many people in South, Trinidad say they want to hear about when the Finance Minister delivers

his 2022 fiscal package tomorrow. The Sunday Express spoke with stakeholders on the impact of

the pandemic and what they would like to see in a Covid Budget. “Business at Adam’s Optical

wasn’t affected that drastically but declined to about 50 to 60 percent. “However, clothing stores

really took a hit. We were closed right through the lockdown and now that we’ve reopened, sales

are probably 20 per cent compared to what existed pre- Covid-19. He said the pandemic has led

to increased costs with regard to the importation of goods which, in turn, has been the catalyst

for consumers facing increased prices at businesses, including supermarkets. “While the

distribution of financial grants is not a sustainable means of easing the economic challenges

faced by lower-income households. “The pandemic has caused them to change their lifestyle in a

more positive direction, so it was a life changer for a whole lot of people,” Guide said. Article 3,

entitled “Global unemployment projected to stand at 207 million in 2022: ILO,” Global working

hours in 2022 will be almost two per cent below their pre-pandemic level — that is equivalent to

the loss of 52 million full-time jobs. It is estimated that in 2022 around 40 million people will no

longer be participating in the global labour force. The pandemic has pushed millions of children

into poverty. It is estimated that in 2020, an additional 30 million adults fell into extreme poverty

(living on less than $1.90 per day in purchasing power parity) while being out of paid work.

The number of extreme working poor — workers who do not earn enough rose by eight million.

7
Many low and middle-income countries have low access to vaccines and limited scope to expand

government budgets to address the crisis.

Key labour market indicators in all countries in these regions have yet to return to pre-pandemic

levels. Many temporary workers lost their jobs at the start of the crisis. However, many new

temporary jobs have also been created since. Last but not least, in the article cleped “Slow jobs

recovery and increased inequality risk long-term Covid-19 scarring,” the labour market crisis

created by the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and employment growth will be

insufficient to make up for the losses suffered until at least 2023, according to a new assessment

by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The related gap in working-hours, which

includes the jobs gap and those on reduced hours, amounts to the equivalent of 100 million full-

time jobs in 2021 and 26 million full-time jobs in 2022. This shortfall in employment and

working hours comes on top of persistently high pre-crisis levels of unemployment, labour

underutilization and poor working conditions.

The worst affected regions in the first half of 2021 have been Latin America and the Caribbean,

and Europe and Central Asia. In both, estimated working-hour losses exceeded eight per cent in

the first quarter and six per cent in the second quarter, compared to global working-hour losses

of 4.8 and 4.4 per cent in the first and second quarter, respectively. The fall in employment and

hours worked has translated into a sharp drop in labour income and a corresponding rise in

poverty. The crisis has also hit women disproportionately. Their employment declined by 5 per

cent in 2020 compared to 3.9 per cent for men. A greater proportion of women also fell out of

the labour market, becoming inactive.

8
DATA COLLECTION SOURCES:

PRIMARY SOURCE:

In order to conduct this SBA, the researcher decided to employ questionnaires as the major data

collection method. The questionnaire, which has 20 questions (6 open-ended and 14 closed-

ended), will be used to gather responses from a sample of 25 community members living in the

residential area of Avocat, Fyzabad, South Trinidad. This process is referred to as random

sampling, also known as a probability sampling method.

As a key instrument for acquiring data, questionnaires are both easy to use and inexpensive. In

order to achieve this, the questionnaires were distributed to the sample group using the Google

Forms platform, a cost-free online data gathering tool. The purpose of the questionnaire is to

gather first-hand accounts of how COVID-19 has impacted these unemployed people, and the

responses will be carefully considered.

9
SECONDARY SOURCES:
The study required secondary data since it was important to gather background knowledge on the

subject. Also, the literature evaluation and the discussion of the conclusions would be based on

this data. Obtaining useful information on the subject under study required the use of secondary

data.

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA:

According to Figure 1 above, of the 24 survey participants, 29.2% did not currently have a job,
16.7% had recently returned to the workforce, and 54.2% were unemployed.

10
Based on figure 2 above, 45.8% were not affected by the lockdown and pandemic as compared
to 54.2% which were affected.

Figure 3 showed that the majority of those who were impacted by the epidemic and lockdown
had to change their work hours, couldn’t afford to pay their bills, and didn’t have a reliable
source of income. Others might have taken on additional shifts, which could have led to
exhaustion, missed family time, and even stress.

11
Figure 4 shows a range of replies for how long people were unemployed as a result of the Covid-
19 Epidemic. Some would have had to make significant cuts, some may have lost their jobs
because they couldn’t afford the money for transportation and basic supplies, or some were lucky
enough to not be harmed, whether it took 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years.

12
As shown in Figure 5, 25% of the people surveyed were government essential employees, who
would have received an income but perhaps not the same as before the lockdown; they might
even have worked fewer days. The remaining 35% of people surveyed were government non-
essential employees, meaning they would have been temporarily without a job and no income.
15% of respondents are self-employed, 10% are businessmen or businesswomen, and 15% are
paid on a daily basis. Even these people might have produced little to nothing.

13
Economically speaking, according to Figure 6, the majority of respondents said their financial
situation was dire; savings had been depleted, sacrifices had been made, costs had gone up,
and their pay had remained the same. However, a small percentage of respondents had not
experienced any changes. It is evident that responses were offered in both a negative and
favorable manner.

14
Figure 7 demonstrates how respondents employed personal savings, attempted to execute
effective financial planning and management, sought work through various jobs, or even split
expenses. On the other hand, other people handled the Covid-19 lockdown very well and
unaffectedly.

15
Figure 8 shows how the respondents’ lifestyles were impacted in a variety of ways, including
food insecurity, altered shopping habits, little to no leisure time, and insufficient family time.

16
Figure 9 shows that the following strategies/methods were employed to generate income: asking
for help, applying for new employment, taking new courses to broaden one's career
opportunities, starting internet enterprises, and even selling fruits and vegetables.

17
As shown in Figure 10 above, 63.6% of people used up all of their savings, 13.6% are currently
owing people money, and 4.5% were either forced to assist others financially, had no effect,
were living within their means of savings, or were even penniless.

According to Figure 11, which shows that many sectors have reopened, 31.6% of people have
returned to their previous jobs, 21.1% are regrettably still unemployed, 21.1% are working
temporary jobs, 15.8% are receiving lower pay, which is still better than receiving no pay at all,
and 10.5% have found new employment.

18
Figure 12 shows that all of the villagers were unemployed; as a result, this may have increased
poverty and other negative emotions and sentiments like annoyance, frustration, worry, or even
melancholy.

19
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS:
Through in-depth analysis and findings, research has played a pivotal role in investigating the

extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in unemployment rates on

individuals. During thorough research, the researcher found that major issues rose during this

unprecedented time, known as the Covid-19 Pandemic. Two out of these four said issues are

Negative Food Insecurity along with Shopping Behaviours. The researcher established in figure

six that from an economic point of view, due to being unemployed, respondents were unable to:

afford groceries and basic needs such as food and shelter, individuals used up all their savings

and some even found themselves in a financial crisis to the degree where basic utilities could not

be afforded. On the same note, according to the survey entitled, “Caribbean COVID-19 Food

Security & Livelihoods Impact Survey TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Summary Report | June

2021”, The gathered date in figure 6 and the data are congruent. According to the poll, food

insecurity is still a problem, and respondents are also reducing their food consumption and

average household food inventories are continuing to fall. Additionally, low-income households

were the ones most concerned about losing their jobs and not being able to afford food or other

basic necessities. The Covid-19 Pandemic has also, as we all know, had a significant impact on

everyone’s lives. The way people shop is one change that is well-known. People would have

spent lavishly before the Covid-19 Pandemic, but this has changed as a result of the pandemic.

Figure 8’s data are consistent with the paper, indicating that fewer snacks and less food were

consumed by predominantly female consumers of leisure time only the amenities were

purchased.

20
In both articles “Caribbean COVID-19 Food Security & Livelihoods Impact Survey TRINIDAD

AND TOBAGO Summary Report | June 2021”and “Worries over runaway prices,

unemployment, `` there were disruptions in livelihoods. Business owners, for example, Adam’s

Apparel, a clothing store, really took a hit according to article two, as well as, in article one,

livelihood inputs were inaccessible, “I own a travel retail/duty free store and our borders have

been closed for 11 months. No income and a new investment." -said a female business owner.

The Pandemic has disrupted livelihoods and altered consumer behavior, but it has also increased

the cost of importing goods, which has raised costs for businesses—supermarkets being a typical

example. Due to unemployment or the closing of numerous businesses, people were unable to

afford their usual shopping and pampering. They were also unable to buy food because it was too

expensive, and grocery bills were skyrocketing, causing respondents to only buy what they really

needed. Since fast food was expensive, some people even turned to making their own bread at

home. Conservative actions had been seen to and were now modified.

In accordance with article three, “ Global unemployment projected to stand at 207 million in

2022: ILO,” approximately forty million people would not be participating in the global labour

force which now brings the researcher to the next two issues of poverty and reduced labour

force. This connotes roughly forty million people being unemployed, which can in turn lead to

financial hardship and poverty, debt, homelessness and housing stress, family tensions and

breakdown and the atrophying of work skills and ill-health. Millions of children were now

impelled to indigence as well. Therewith, many temporary workers were laid off at the start of

the crisis, many new temporary jobs have since been created. With respect to the researcher’s

findings in figure four, the data collected relates to the article. Respondents indicated that they

were unemployed from a timeframe as little as two days per week to as much as two years.

21
When asked in figure nine, “What measures/ways did you use to try and get a job, even if

temporary?”, feedback such as: catering, odd jobs, seeking assistance, for instance, financial

grants or even from loved ones, selling fruits, online businesses and even applying to others job

sites or studying new courses/ trades were some of the responses given. This evinces that even

though individuals lost their jobs and some even fell into penury, they still attempted to gain a

salary or money by putting themselves through dreadful circumstances.

Finally, yet importantly, in article four, “Slow jobs recovery and increased inequality risk long-

term Covid-19 scarring,” the above two issues still continue to exist along with unequal vaccine

access. The labour market crisis created by the Covid-19 Pandemic is far from finished and

employment growth will be insufficient to make up for the losses suffered until at least 2023,

according to the ILO. In contrast to figure 3, when asked “How did the pandemic affect your job?”

The following comments were made by respondents: there were no jobs available; the company had

shrunk; employees were working without having received all of their vaccinations; there was a

shortage of people and a harder workload; and companies like pubs and salons had closed. This

shocking decline in employment and hours worked led to a huge decline in income and salaries and a

rise in poverty in proportion. Overall, the Covid-19 crisis has increased inequality by

disproportionately harming weaker employees, which has worsened pre-existing disparities.

The lengthy investigation leads the researcher to conclude that the Covid-19 Pandemic’s harmful

effects have truly presented insurmountable difficulties for everyone in the world. The livelihoods of

many individuals are still hampered by the suspension of numerous economic and commercial

operations.

22
CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATIONS:

In conclusion, it can be said that residents in the area of Avocat, Fyzabad, have experienced both

positive and negative effects since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Many people have

attempted various and novel ways in an effort to get work, seizing any chance that presented

themselves. While others had hardships in terms of money, emotions, mental health, or even

physical health, some even used the time to be with their families. Each person’s experience had

a different yet similar effect and impact.

Recommendations:

● Try teaching yourself different trades and activities that you would usually pay for.

● Try taking up new courses online to better educate yourself.

● Pay attention to reliable and credible sources.

Limitations:

● The sample may not accurately represent the entire population.

● Reliability of this information is subject to bias of authors and respondents.

23
 BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Global unemployment projected to stand at 207 million in 2022: ILO. Down To Earth. (n.d.).
Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/global-
unemployment-projected-to-stand-at-207-million-in-2022-ilo-81158

Indicator description: Unemployment rate. ILOSTAT. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://ilostat.ilo.org/resources/concepts-and-definitions/description-unemployment-rate/

Slow jobs recovery and increased inequality risk long-term covid-19 scarring. WESO Trends
2021: Slow jobs recovery and increased inequality risk long-term COVID-19 scarring. (2021,
June 2). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-
ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_794834/lang--en/index.htm

The social consequences of unemployment - BSL catalogue. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2022,
from
https://www.library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/266/1/social_consequences_of_unemployment_a
mcclelland.pdf

Trinidad and Tobago Summary Report | June 2021 - World Food Programme. (n.d.). Retrieved
May 18, 2022, from https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000129030/download/

Unemployment. Corporate Finance Institute. (2022, May 8). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/economics/unemployment/

WebMD. (n.d.). Pandemics: Definition, prevention, and preparation. WebMD. Retrieved May
17, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/what-are-epidemics-pandemics-outbreaks

Worries over runaway prices, unemployment | local news ... (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2022,
from https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/worries-over-runaway-prices-
unemployment/article_2ee1b88c-23e4-11ec-a19b-cfbd3d1e8d31.html

24
APPENDICES:
LINK TO ARTICLES:

https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000129030/download/

https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/worries-over-runaway-prices-
unemployment/article_2ee1b88c-23e4-11ec-a19b-cfbd3d1e8d31.html

https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_794834/lang--en/index.htm

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/global-unemployment-projected-to-stand-at-
207-million-in-2022-ilo-81158

25
26