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

Progressive and equitable access and distributional changes will impact significantly
on the poor. The question has been posed as to the realistic expectation of fair
distribution locally in a context of unequal international distribution of power. With
this comes unfair trade arrangements and foreign-ownership of land and businesses in
St. Vincent and the Grenadines all of which can impact negatively on the poor.
Policies that improve the distribution of income and assets must form essential
elements of a country’s poverty reduction strategy and will include:
�� Land tenure reform - which will deal with access and ownership of land.
�� More efficient and accurate pro-poor public expenditure – that will include the
development of social capital as well as economic growth.
�� Measures to increase access to financial markets
�� Fair and equitable employment recruitment and income-generating practices
�� Continuous education – including compulsory education, and particularly
education that is relevant to the present development.
Recommended is a Pro-poor Budget Assessment that will examine the allocation of
funds. (See Pro Forma Tables 4,5,6)
5.1.7 Strengthening Natural Resource Management
Environmental sustainability is a critical component of poverty reduction strategies.
This is because development aspirations cannot be realized outside of a healthy
environment. Environmental degradation will ultimately result in increased hardship
for all people and particularly the poor. Despite the progress made over the last
decade in strengthening the policy and institutional arrangements for natural resource
planning and management at the national and regional level, the environment in the
region is still gravely at risk.
SVG must put in place policies that ensure close regional cooperation and
collaboration in developing environmental policies. In addition, policies that
support education, sensitisation and strict enforcement of environmental
contraventions need to be urgently effected. Such policies will include land and
sand use management; solid waste management; “cleaner and more energy
efficient and environmentally desirable technologies, systems and methods”. All
sectors of civil society must be involved in the understanding and fulfilment of their
responsibilities in maintaining environmental quality and sustainability.
5.1.8 Strengthening Rural Development
Given the established recognition that the poor are generally found in rural areas,
development of these areas is of particular concern.
Final SVG I-PRSP Revision June 2003
37