Trash Trouble: Development Politics in St. Ann

The fictional Caribbean island nation of "St. Ann" provides a compelling setting for this simulation's negotiation between a developing country's government leaders and its civil society organizations over the best solutions to a series of waste management problems. Ethnic tensions along with influential media outlets contribute to the dynamics.

The simulation's five roles include: the national government of St. Ann, a coalition of municipal governments, and three civil society groups - a business association, a homeowners association, and a council representing the country's indigenous population. With overflowing landfills, outdated infrastructure, and very limited trash collection services, St. Ann faces a host of waste management issues. Together, the participants in this negotiation must devise a plan to address the country's problems, and develop a way to pay for their initiatives. Challenge students to resolve this messy situation!

A scenario is provided along with a private role sheet to give students additional information about their assigned role's positions and interests. This simulation includes an opportunity for students to develop, debate, and vote on specific proposal plans to address the issues in the scenario. Students build proposal plans using a series of pre-loaded options. In addition to standard tools for facilitating the simulation, instructors have access to a series of news stories to send out as injects in order to highlight the role media can play in influencing the debate.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.