BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH the results of the latest Country Poverty Assessment (CPA) Report 2007/08 indicate that poverty in the Federation has declined, local authorities have been warned “not to rest on [their] laurels” in the fight against poverty reduction.
The advice came from Dr. Ralph Henry, a representative of Trinidad and Tobago’s Kairi Consultants Ltd., at the recently held National Consultation on Poverty at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino. In his presentation to the wide cross-section of government officials, civil servants, diplomats and private sector representatives, Henry cautioned that despite the progress made towards social equality, there are still myriad challenges to be faced.
“It is clear there are very immediate challenges such as the global economic crisis and the consequent slowdown in the tourism industry. It’s not going to be easy but I think as a country, you have done well under very trying circumstances.
“However, there is a need for the rapid mobilisation of domestic resources. No matter how many resources a country may have, it will need the assistance of friendly agencies such as the Caribbean Development Bank. Very small countries cannot go through these massive adjustments alone,” the consultant informed.
Henry also put forward several recommendations he identified as “crucial” to further strengthen poverty alleviation efforts. These include constitutional reform, effective land management and allocation, and retrofitting for climate change. He also stressed the importance of empowering persons so they would take ownership of the country.
“A culture of enterprise needs to be created. Domestic entrepreneurship should be further promoted and nationals must become involved in the Federation’s growth industries.
“How do you get persons to not just wait for vacancies? How do you get persons to examine their surroundings and find a job for themselves? It requires a major shift in thinking and it’s a challenge our people face that we need to address,” he warned.
The CPA Report 2007/08 indicated that poverty in St. Kitts decreased from 30 percent to 23.7 percent while sister isle Nevis recorded a reduction from 32 percent to 15.9. It further revealed that indigence on St. Kitts had been reduced to one percent and, impressively, completely eliminated on Nevis.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas called the Federation’s performance “laudable” and stated that poverty reduction is a “core developmental goal” of the government, reiterating its commitment to stamping out poverty, inequality and social exclusion.
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