The Changing Nature of Poverty and Inequality in the Caribbean

Abstract: 

A number of initiatives have been pursued in the Region with support from both bilateral and multilateral donor partners to reduce poverty, vulnerability and inequality. Despite laudable efforts at reducing poverty and inequality in the Caribbean, high rates of poverty and inequality remain a pressing development challenge.

Not only have high rates persisted, but the nature and face of poverty and inequality in the Caribbean are changing. In many cases, the situation has worsened with the onset of the global financial crisis. This study is motivated by the need to understand the changing characteristics of the poor and vulnerable in the Caribbean both within current and new and emerging perspectives on poverty and inequality.

In the context of the new and emerging issues related to poverty and inequality in the Caribbean, the study provides fresh thinking on the transformative shifts in policies, approaches/strategies and institutions that are required to not only speed up the pace of poverty reduction in the Caribbean, but also to expand opportunities for the most vulnerable by promoting inclusive prosperity.