Why Jamaica?
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Jamaica, although often a country overlooked as one in need, has communities that are suffering in poverty. Jamaica's economy is burdened by international debt repayments of the $6 billion outstanding to international lenders. Most of what the government collects in tax, is swiftly put towards repaying the mountains of debt. This strangle-hold that the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other international lending agencies has over the country, disables the government's chance to invest in public sector initiatives, such as eliminating poverty, increasing social welfare, education or health programs etc.
The poverty line at an all time high in the last decade with over 17% of the population live in poverty. Most of those that fall under the 17%, live in rural or poor inner city communities. One of those communities is Riverton City. Though exact figures are not documented, an estimated 90% of Riverton's residents live under the poverty line and are unemployed.
For further information, or for referencing the above statistics, please visit:
News article on Poverty in Jamaica - Gleaner Newspaper:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111009/business/business8.html
World Bank Poverty Indicators:
http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/country/JAM
CIA World Factbook:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html
Statistical Institute of Jamaica:
http://statinja.gov.jm/LabourMarketEarnings/BasicHourlyRateOfHoursRatedWageEarnessinLgEstMIG.aspx
News article on Poverty in Jamaica - Gleaner Newspaper:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111009/business/business8.html
World Bank Poverty Indicators:
http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/country/JAM
CIA World Factbook:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html
Statistical Institute of Jamaica:
http://statinja.gov.jm/LabourMarketEarnings/BasicHourlyRateOfHoursRatedWageEarnessinLgEstMIG.aspx