ABSTRACT
Human needs are basically the same the world over. Food must be available to sustain life; shelter from the elements must be provided and there must be a series of social support measures including health and education in order that each generation can bear and rear its children. It is the way such things are provided that varies, according to different opportunities and traditions around the world. This chapter focuses on how these social support measures can be provided in the island situation, because insularity imposes its own difficulties here as in every other aspect of life. Perhaps the most important service activity in an island situation is communications, consideration of which forms the first part of the chapter. Other sections deal with retailing, administrative services and the provision of education and health systems.
