Poverty reduction and human resource development in the Caribbean / The World Bank PRINT

"This report was written by Judy L. Baker"--Preface.

"This report was prepared under the auspices of the Caribbean Group for Cooperation in Economic Development (CGCED)--P. [2] of cover.

"May 1996."

"Country Department III, Country Operations II, Latin America and the Caribbean Region"--Cover.

"Document of the World Bank"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references.

Despite the impressive success in improving living conditions in many Caribbean countries, poverty still persists throughout the region. In countries such as Guyana, Haiti, and Suriname, poverty levels are higher than 40 percent. Even in Trinidad and Tobago, which has benefited greatly from its oil reserves, poverty is on the rise. With few exceptions, general living standards have declined since the late 1970s and early 1980s due to low economic growth, macroeconomic shocks and inappropriate policy responses, deficiencies in the labor market, and a deterioration in the quality of social services. In addition, the increase in crime and violence, retrenchment of workers, drop in the real value of the social insurance and social assistance and changes in family structures have contributed to the declining living conditions.

This report seeks to improve our understanding of poverty in the Caribbean and the current efforts to address it, with the aim of identifying how policies and programs can be more effective. Chapter 1 analyzes the characteristics and causes of poverty, and Chapter 2 reviews current efforts to alleviate poverty and various coping mechanisms. Recommended poverty reduction strategies are included in this summary. In reading this report, it would be highlighted that while many countries share similarities, the region as a whole is highly diverse, and thus conclusions may not apply to all.