Working Across Cultures - Caribbean

January 29, 2014

Rayon Brown

Geography

GeographyThe largest islands in the Caribbean are Hispaniola (divided into the two separate political units of Haiti and the Dominican Republic),Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

History• Indigenous People Arawaks- Originally settled in the Windwards and

Leewards and eventually inhabited the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas

Caribs – Originally from Venezuela in South America and lived throughout the Lesser Antilles

History tells us that before both of those groups, the Ciboneys came to the Caribbean islands nearly four or five thousand years ago.

1.00 USD = 115.450 JMD

1.00 USD=26.5000 CUP 1.00 USD= 46.0000 HTG

1.00 USD = 44.7150 DOP

Haiti

• The name "Haiti" comes from the native Taino/Arawak word ayiti or hayti, meaning mountainous" or "high land."

Haiti

Haiti is an independent republic occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola

Its area is 27,750 sq km (10,714 sq mi), slightly larger than Maryland. Port-au-Prince is Haiti's capital and largest city.

Haiti is the most densely populated nation and has the lowest per capita income of any country in the western hemisphere.

HaitiThe flag of Haiti was officially adopted on February 25, 1987

Haiti

The coat of arms of Haiti shows six draped flags of the country, three on each side, which are located in front of a palm tree and cannons.

In front of the cannons are a drum, a bugle, long guns, and ship anchors. Above the palm tree, there is a Phrygian cap placed as a symbol of freedom.

Just above the ribbon with the motto are two pieces of chain with a broken link symbolizing the broken chain of slavery. On the ribbon is the national motto of Haiti "L'Union Fait La Force" which means "Union Makes Strength".

Haiti- Business Structure and Business Relationships

No significant public opposition to foreign investment in Haiti. Import and export policies are non-discriminatory and are not based upon nationality.

Investors in Haiti can create the following types of businesses:

sole proprietorship, limited or general partnership, joint-stock company, public company (corporation), subsidiary of a foreign company, and co-operative society.

Corporations are the most commonly used business structure in Haiti.

AttireBusiness attire is usually more casual in rural areas than in urban parts of Haiti; shorts are not permitted in any business setting. Men are expected to wear a shirt and tie and slacks--a suit is not required. Women can wear a pants suit to business meetings, or a blazer and skirt. Haitian professionals value a clean and polished appearance, so being well-groomed is a must.

Haiti

Business CardsIt is acceptable to present business cards at the beginning of a Haitian business meeting; bringing a folder or small billfold for keeping business cards makes a good impression as well. There is no specific method for exchanging business cards in Haiti, but it's always best to treat the card with respect, that is, no folding the business card or writing additional numbers on it. International professionals should also translate one side of the business card into French.

Haiti

MeetingsBusiness hours in Haiti are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; business meetings should be made ahead of time in all cases. Punctuality is appreciated. If a professional will be late for any reason, acceptable etiquette requires contacting the receptionist of the office to reschedule a meeting time. It is always best to anticipate that a considerable amount of time will be spent in small talk before the meeting officially begins. Talking to professionals about their families is acceptable, but avoid discussing politics until forming a relationship.

Haiti

NegotiationsHaitian professionals enjoy negotiations and are often dramatic in negotiation proceedings. It is common for businesspeople to act as though they are offended when they are offered an initial price. In most cases, the professional who attracts the most attention in the negotiation process wins. Businesspeople in Haiti are also not direct in their speech; they will commonly speak in parables to make a point, so international colleagues should exercise patience and refrain from harsh or abrasive language in negotiations.

After Business HoursIt is common for Haitian professionals to treat their international visitors to a business lunch or dinner. Maintaining small talk, as well as answering any business-related questions, is expected during the meal. Haitian professionals also expect to have this favor returned, so businesspeople from other countries should make arrangements to have a meal at the hotel they are staying in or a nearby restaurant before leaving Haiti.

Voodoo CeremoniesPerforming rites and ceremonies in honor of nature forms the basis of many of Haiti's voodoo ceremonies. A voodoo priest or priestess leads ceremonies for honoring the dead, healing the sick or asking spirits for advice. The priest or priestess might also act as a messenger, receiving information from Loa during dreams, then communicating warnings, guidance or prophecies during ceremonies.

CarnivalHaiti's largest annual event takes place throughout the country. Like New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration, Haiti's Carnival involves parades, costumes, local music and dancing in the streets to herald holy season. Fat Tuesday falls before Easter and has families dining on banquets at home. Meanwhile, in the streets, the festivities continue far into the night.RaraIndigenous to Haiti, the Rara Festival is a peasant carnival. Rara, though, has several incarnations beyond wild street parties. Rara also refers to a distinctly Haitian style of music and dance. Musicians play vaskin, a type of bamboo horn, as well as drums and tin trumpets. Ancient as well as pop songs make up the musicians' repertoire. As the rhythms speed up, dancers fall in. In some cases, protesters use the Rara form to communicate regional concerns and spread political messages.

MAJOR HOLIDAYS Haitian holidays include Independence Day (January 1); The Anniversary of revolutionary hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines' death (October 17); The Anniversary of the Battle of Vertières (November 18); and the landing of Columbus on Hispaniola in 1492, commemorated on December 5. Other holidays include Ancestors' Day (January 2), Carnival (the three days before Ash Wednesday, in February), Pan American Day (April 14), Labor Day (May 1), Flag Day (May 18), and New Year's Eve (December 31). Haitians also observe traditional Roman Catholic holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday (in March or April), the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), All Souls' Day (November 2), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Eve (December 24), and Christmas Day (December 25).

Haitians grow corn, rice, bananas, mangoes, avocados, and other tropical fruits and vegetables. A typical meal usually includes one or two varieties of rice prepared with either red or black beans. Almost all meals feature plantains (very similar to bananas), which are usually parboiled, sliced, and deep fried. Those who can afford it eat deep-fried chicken. Other meats include goat, beef, and pork. Pork is often fried and. Haitians especially favor seafood,.Vegetablesinclude green beans, potatoes, squash, okra, cabbage, and eggplant. Salads are served with generous slices of avocado. Most Haitians love a spicy, very hot sauce to enhance their dishes. Desserts include cakes or tarts, often with a pineapple garnish.

Haitian Food

Dominican RepublicLOCATION With an area of approximately 18,819 square miles (48,741 square kilometers), the Dominican Republic is about the same size as Vermont and New Hampshire combined. The climate is tropical. Both the highest and lowest points in the Caribbean region are found in the Dominican Republic. Pico Duarte is the highest mountain, rising 10,417 feet (3,820 meters) above sea level. The barren area between the two southern mountain ranges is called the Culde-Sac and is the lowest point.

The flag of the Dominican Republic was designed by founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, and adopted in 1844. It is centered with a white cross that extends to the edges and divides the flag into four rectangles. The color blue is for liberty, red for the blood of heroes, and white for salvation. A small coat of arms rests at the center of the flag.

The Dominican Republic coat of arms features a shield in quartered colors of the flag, with a laurel branch to the left and a palm frond to the right. The blue ribbon above the shield displays the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty). Below the shield, the words República Dominicanaappear on a red ribbon. In the center of the shield, flanked by six spears, is a Bible with a small golden cross above it. Popular belief claims that the pages are opened to the Gospel of John 8:32, which reads, "Y la verdados hará libre." (And the truth shall make you free.)

Business Structure and Business Relationships

Dominican Republic has a great legal framework for the Foreign Investment - Legal System - The Constitution of the Dominican Republic defines the government system as being democratic, republican and presidential. It also provides that the exercise of power is divided among three independent branches: executive, legislative and judicial.

Dominican judges are greatly influenced by French judicial precedents when interpreting the provisions of such codes.

LANGUAGE Spanish is the official and universally spoken language of the Dominican Republic. Compared with other Latin American countries, Dominican Spanish is considered close to classical Spanish, but has a distinctive accent and includes many local expressions. Some English is spoken in the capital city of Santo Domingo.Columbus Lighthouse

MAJOR HOLIDAYS Many holidays in the Dominican Republic are religious ones. In addition to Christmas and Good Friday, the Day of Our Lady of Altagracia (January 21), Corpus Christi (June 17), and the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy (September 24) are celebrated. Secular, or non-religious, holidays include Día de Duarte, a commemoration of the birthday of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte (January 26), Independence Day (February 27), Labor Day (May 1), and Dominican Restoration Day (August 16). Every town also holds a festival in honor of its patron saint, combining religious observance with non-religious activities; dancing, drinking, and gambling. The Dominican Independence Day (February 27) falls around the beginning of Lent. It is the occasion for a rambunctious Carnival celebration that draws more than half a million people each year to Santo Domingo.

The family forms the basis of stability.The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the extended family, which generally encompasses three generations.When possible, the extended family lives together or within the same vicinity.Loyalty to the family comes before any other social relationship, even business.The oldest male in the extended family makes decisions affecting the balance of the family

Dominican Family Values

Dominican HospitalityDominicans pride themselves on their hospitality.When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortableHouseguests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to their every desire.

Appearances MatterIn Dominican society appearance is very important.People are extremely fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success.They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford.Designer labels, particularly those from the USA, are looked upon favorably.Dress Etiquette

Appropriate business attire is expected.Men should wear good quality, conservative, dark colored business suits.Women should wear stylish suits or dresses. They should dress elegantly, including make-up and jewelry.

Religion in The Dominican Republic

• The Dominican constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

• Over 90% of the population is nominally Roman Catholic.

• For most people religious practice is limited and formalistic.

• Popular religious practices are far removed from Roman Catholic orthodoxy.

• People respect the advice of their local priest, or their bishop, with regard to religious matters; however, they often reject the advice of clergy on other matters on the assumption that priests had little understanding of secular affairs.

basilica de higuey

Business Meeting Etiquette

Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax.• Arrive on time for meetings. Dominicans strive for

punctuality, but they do not always achieve their goal.• The first meeting is often quite formal.• Small talk helps establish a rapport. Do not

immediately begin discussing business.• Have all written material available in both English and

Spanish.• Meetings are often interrupted and several people

may speak at the same time.• Be careful with facial expression and bodily

movements - gestures are context sensitive and do not always translate well between countries.

• Patience is important.

Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged during introductions without formal ritual.Have one side of your business card translated

into Spanish.Present your business card with the Spanish

side facing the recipient.Treat business cards with respect. When you

receive a card, place it in a business card case to show that you will treat the person with respect.

FOOD

The popular Caribbean dish of rice and beans is a staple in the Dominican diet. It is nicknamed "the flag" (la bandera) and served with stewed beef. Another favorite dish is sancocho, a stew made with local meats and vegetables, often including plantains. Plantains, closely related to bananas and found throughout the Caribbean islands, are especially popular in the Dominican Republic. Ripe fried plantains are called amarillas, green fried ones are patacon pisao, and they become tostoneswhen fried and mashed. Popular snack foods include chicarrones (pieces of fried pork) and empanadillas(tangy meat tarts). Dominican food is rather greasy since most of the dishes are fried. Puddings—including sweet rice, corn, and banana—are popular desserts.

Cuba was discovered and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492. Columbus did not realize that Cuba was an island. Except for a brief occupation by the English, Cuba remained a Spanish colony until the end of the nineteenth century.

The flag of Cuba was officially adopted on May 20, 1902.

The overall design is modeled after the flag of the United States of America. The red triangle is from the Masonic symbol for equality. La Estrella Solitaria, or the white Lone Star, is centered on the red triangle

The Cuban Coat of Arms consists of a shield, a wreath, and a Phrygian cap. The Phrygian cap is said to represent liberty.

The shield is divided into three sections. The gold key between two rocks symbolizes Cuba's position between North and South America.

The blue and white stripes represent the flag. The lower right division of the shield contains a Cuban landscape scene.

The wreath is made of an oak branch and a laurel branch. The oak branch symbolizes the strength of Cuba and the laural branch represents the honor of Cuba.

A country of approximately 11 million people, Cuba is the largest island in the Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It is approximately 90 miles south of Florida. The island's terrain is very diverse. Approximately one-third of the island consists of three extensive mountain systems: There are nearly 200 rivers; mostly short, narrow, and shallow. Two wide-ranging plains account for the remaining two-thirds of the island and these plains are where most of the population lives. Sugar is the island's key export. Nickel is the main mineral found on the island, making Cuba the fourth largest exporter of nickel in the world.

LANGUAGE

Cubans speak Spanish. Their names are composed of three parts: first (given) name, father's surname, and mother's maiden name; for example, Jose Garcia Fernandez.

RELIGION

As a communist country, Cuba has officially condemned participation in religion. Nonetheless, many Cubans maintain a Catholic tradition, although they do so secretly for fear of punishment. Much more openly practiced is Santeria, an African-based religion introduced into Cuba by slaves brought in from Africa in the late 1700s. The rough equivalent of a priest in Santeria is known as a babalao. When one is initiated into Santeria, he or she dresses completely in white clothing for one year.

MAJOR HOLIDAYS

Major holidays in Cuba mark significant events in the revolution: January 1 and July 26. May Day, a communist holiday worldwide, is an official holiday, as is October10 which marks the historic revolt against Spain that began in 1868. Catholics honor Three Kings Day on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.

FAMILY LIFE

Extended families often live together for traditional and economic reasons. Often one or more grandparent lives with a married couple and their children. For economic reasons, children also tend to live at home until they marry.

Women are expected to work outside the home and are also expected to cook, clean, and take care of the home.

CLOTHING

People normally wear casual Western-style clothing. As in so many parts of the world, blue jeans from the United States are a popular commodity. The guayabera, an embroidered man's shirt, is a traditional and elegant article of clothing that is still worn today for both formal and informal occasions.

FOOD

Like other aspects of Cuban culture, traditional Cuban foods are rich in both Spanish and African influences. Pork, the meat of choice in a traditional meal, is almost always accompanied by rice and beans. When white rice and black beans are cooked together, they are called arroz congri, which literally means "rice with gray." Black beans, prepared many different ways, are a Cuban specialty.

EDUCATION

Education is free and compulsory up to the age of seventeen. There are more than four hundred schools and colleges in rural areas where students divide their time between working in agriculture and the classroom. Shortages have made it necessary for textbooks to be shared and workbooks to be erased and passed along to the next class. Higher education is also free. Scientific and technical fields are emphasized. The University of Havana, founded in 1728, is the leading institution of higher education on the island. Cuba's government initiated a campaign to wipe out illiteracy in 1961 and now has one of the highest literacy rates, at 94 percent, in all of Latin America.

EMPLOYMENT

The labor force in Cuba is divided almost evenly among service-related jobs, agriculture, trade, manufacturing and mining, and utilities. Jobs in tourism are highly desirable because of their access to U.S. dollars and foreign goods. Even teachers, doctors, and engineers have left their professions to work in tourism jobs because they can earn more money.

Jamaica's population of more than 2.5 million is equally divided between urban and rural dwellers. Jamaicans are mostly descendants of Africans. There are also East Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and Arabs. Located some 90 miles south of Cuba and more than 450 miles west of Hispaniola, Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Since 1870 the capital has been Kingston, now with a population of more than 645,000. It has one of the largest and best natural harbors in the world.

The flag of Jamaica was adopted on August 6, 1962, and consists of a gold saltire, which divides the flag into four sections: two of them green and two black. The present design emerged from those sent in by the public in a national competition.

It was originally designed with horizontal stripes, but this was considered too similar to the Tanganyikan flag, and so the saltire was substituted. The color black represents the strength and creativity of the people which has allowed them to overcome the odds, yellow for the golden sunshine and green for the lush vegetation of the island.

The coat of arms depicts a male and femalemember of the Taino tribe standing on eachside of a shield, which bears a red cross withfive golden pineapples. The crest shows aJamaican crocodile mounted on the RoyalHelmet of the British Monarchy and mantling.

At the base of the shield a ribbon displays thenational motto, "Out of Many, One People."

LANGUAGEJamaicans speak English, but with a distinct flavor. Elements of Elizabethan English can be heard on the island. A jug, for example, is referred to as a "goblet." Also, the "th" sound is substituted with a "d," so that the word "that" becomes "dat," for example. Although the official language is English, most Jamaicans who live in the rural areas speak a Creole dialect. Patois, as it is called, is influenced mostly by West African languages. It also contains elements of Spanish and French. Perhaps the most famous of the patois words is I-rie (fabulous), which comes from the language of a religious sect called the Rastafarians.

RELIGION Religion is fundamental to Jamaican life, which can be seen in the references to Biblical events in everyday speech.The island has the highest number of churches per capita in the world and more than 100 different Christian denominations. Most Jamaicans are Christians; the largest denominations are the Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Brethren and Roman Catholics.Christmas is typically observed by various denominations with Communion services, candlelight ceremonies, concerts, all-night prayer meetings and the singing of Christmas carols.

MAJOR HOLIDAYS Jamaicans celebrate their independence on August sixth. For several weeks beforehand, they stage a huge celebration called "Festival!" During this period artists of all types perform, many as part of competitions. School children also are involved in the festivities. This helps foster their sense of national pride and tradition. Jonkanoo (John Canoe) is a dancing procession held around Christmastime. The origins of this celebration are not clear, but many believe its origins to be in East Africa. Celebrants wearing extravagant costumes dance to the music of drums and cane flutes. Most other holidays and celebrations are religious ones and include Ash Wednesday (in February), Good Friday, Easter Monday (in March or April), and Christmas (December 25).

FAMILY LIFE While women are often highly respected, men are seen as the heads of households. Great importance is placed on a man's virility and a woman's fertility. Men and women tend to marry or start living together at an early age. A couple that does not have children soon after marriage is considered unusual.

CLOTHING Everyday wear for Jamaicans is cool and comfortable. Rastafarians have made the colors of the Ethiopian flag—red, green, and gold—popular in clothing. Churchgoers tend to dress very formally on Sundays.

Jamaicans eat foods that are rich in spices. Pimento, or allspice, is native to Jamaica and an important export crop. Other commonly used spices are ginger, nutmeg, and pepper. Bammy is a toasted bread-like wafer made from cassava. Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica. If not properly prepared, it can be poisonous. Ackee with saltfish is the national dish.

"Jerking" is a method of spicing and slowly cooking meat to preserve the juices and produce a unique, spicy flavor. The meat is first marinated in a very spicy mixture and then cooked over an outdoor pit lined with pimento wood.

Many fruits like mangoes, pineapple, papayas, and bananas are eaten fresh or combined in desserts.

For dinner, Jamaicans will typically eat peas and rice accompanied by either chicken or pork.

EDUCATION

About 98 percent of adult Jamaicans are literate (able to read and write). The law requires children to attend school from age seven to age fifteen.Education is not free like the US.

The Family

The Jamaican family includes a close-knit web of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.Families are close and provide both emotional and economic support to its members.The family is the most important group a person belongs to, and as such, it the group with whom a person spends most of his/her time developing and maintaining cordial relations.

•Meeting and Greeting

•The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact, and a warm smile.•Use the appropriate salutation for the time of day: "good morning", "good afternoon", or "good evening".Address people by their honorific title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss) and their surname until a personal relationship has developed.Always wait until invited before using someone's first name.As your friendship deepens, you may be asked to call the person by their nickname.

Building Relationships & Communication

Although it is not imperative that you be introduced by a third-party, such introductions can speed up the time it takes to develop the personal relationship so necessary to conducting business successfully.They value logic and linear thinking.It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority.When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.Jamaicans stand very close when conversing.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are necessary and easy to schedule.They should be about 2 weeks in advance if travelling from abroad.Confirm the meeting, by telephone, a few days in advance.Jamaicans expect punctuality although they are not always successful at arriving on time themselves.Meetings will have a friendly tone even though they can be somewhat formal.Expect some small talk before business is discussed. Let your Jamaican colleagues decide when it is time to speak about business.Presentations should be complete and not conceal potential problems.

Business Negotiations

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. They are seen as confrontational.Relationships are viewed as more important than rules.In Business the person with the most authority makes decisions.Hierarchy is important, although not always apparent. Defer to the person with the most authority, as they are most likely the decision maker.Jamaicans are direct and say what they mean. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail.Bargaining is customary and expected. Do not give your best offer at the beginning of negotiations.Don't put all your cards on the table at one time, your Jamaican colleagues won't.Expect to spend a great deal of time reviewing details before a contract is drawn up.