Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper - UNDP Barbados and the OECS ...

?? Improved and integrated planning and coordination involving the public sector,
private sector and the NGO community in its approach to macro-economic
development.
?? Increased data collection capabilities and the level of research and development
employed, utilized and disseminated by the Central Planning Division.
?? Globalism provides new threats and challenges of trade liberalization. Recent
international shocks have impacted directly on SVG and other small state
economies. SVG must develop strategic approaches, alignments and alliances
to ensure maximum possible protections for the country. International policies
- e.g. the lost banana preferential treatment, often have serious negative impact
particularly on the most vulnerable – the poor.
?? The government of SVG must continue to actively encourage and support the
widening, deepening and the creation of the single economic and social space
by urgently promoting the concept of unity within the Organisation of Eastern
Caribbean States.
?? Gender equity continues to be an issue with particular implications for poverty.
Discussion on the macroeconomic environment must give consideration to
gender issues as outlined in the following:
Approximately thirty seven percent (37%) of Vincentians, a great number of whom
are women, live in the deplorable conditions of poverty. These are located mostly in
rural and slum areas. The gender disparities in economic power sharing are an
important contributing factor to this poverty.
Changes in family structures due to migration, death and to a large extent divorce and
separation place additional burdens on women especially those who must provide for
several dependents.
Neutral Macro Economic Policies that focus extensively on the formal sector tend to
impede the initiatives of women and fail to consider the differential impact on people
- women and men. The lack of gender analysis to policies and programmes is
disheartening. This analysis is critical to poverty reduction strategies. In order to
reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development especially for any disadvantaged
group, there must be full and equal participation by men and women in the
formulation of macro-economic and social policies and strategies for the eradication
of poverty.
Anti poverty programmes alone cannot readily reduce or eradicate poverty. Essential
to the process is democratic participation and changes in economic structures. This
will ensure access for men and women to resources, opportunities and public services.
Final SVG I-PRSP Revision June 2003
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