RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 1

Akilah Jones

Introduction

The Caribbean Sea has a host of islands that are adjacent to the Americas; it is full of nation states more or less developed. Haiti and Jamaica are the poorest nations in the Caribbean; the wealthiest are Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Environmental issues and natural disasters are some of the continuous battles that these nations have faced, but some have found ways to cultivate their land and rise above these issues that plague them. Hurricanes, earthquakes and droughts are just some of the natural disasters. While Trinidad and Tobago and

The Bahamas have made great strides in overcoming long-lasting economic devastation in the region, Haiti and Jamaica are overwhelmed by poverty still. Environmental factors certainly assist in the obstacles to overcome poverty, yet they alone are not the cause.

Economies must develop to withstand natural disasters through preparation; one of those ways is by creating emergency funds. Mutually beneficial relationships with other countries are also necessary to ensure contributable funds in isolated disasters. These are also some beginning steps for the individual seeking financial freedom and security; savings is one of the most important, and friends with likeminded financial principles another. History also plays a major role in the development of relationships; is not only ensures swift response to help align countries, but also creates partnership in mercantilism. The lack of morale and economic integrity of a nation plays a role in the causes of poverty, resulting in a loss of respect among other nations-- affecting the desire for trade and cooperation. Haiti and Jamaica are far behind all other islands in the Caribbean economically. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. In order to overcome this disparity and resolve poverty in the Caribbean region, the focus of this thesis will investigate the causes of poverty in Haiti and Jamaica, and compare them RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 2 to the wealth of The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago for introspection. Additionally, resolving the poverty will not only include ways to relieve the current situation and generate growth, but look forward to a future that will sustain this growth. Achieving this will require looking backwards at why these states are in different places now economically, what holds the

Caribbean back from being a wealthy region, what individual states are presently doing differently, and what type of resourcefulness will thrust Haiti and Jamaica into prosperity out of the third world.

The gross domestic product (GDP) is an acronym that will be used throughout this paper and describes the total worth of goods and services produced by a nation specifically in a fiscal year. GDP per capita describes that amount divided by its (known) population, which gives an average of how much most people make within that given year in a particular state. This makes

GDP and GDP per capita a quick and easy way to measure a state’s wealth. The GDP per capita in the Caribbean ranges from less than 1000.00USD to over 20000.00USD in the last five years, and in some places, it is on the rise. This is well behind a neighboring U.S., which weighs in at

30000.00USD more per capita (Trading Economics, 2017). Although poverty lines vary between richer and poorer countries, the average Haitian lives on less than $3/day, the current poverty line. Taking into account the wealth gap that cannot be seen by taking an average, many are likely to be living on less than a $1.90 per day, which is globally recognized as extreme poverty

(The World Bank Group, 2016).

While the Caribbean Sea is home to the poorest country in the northern hemisphere, some countries do have resources that are contributing to their states wealth. Trinidad and Tobago has deposits of petroleum and liquid natural gas for natural resources. The Bahamas generates wealth from tourism, rich, arable land that allows them to grow their own food, and aragonite (an RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 3 equitable mineral) that gives them a reliable export. While these countries are doing the best within their maritime region, the numbers still show that even those from the wealthier countries are living in conditions that most people in the first world are not subjected too. There must then be common factors that these states suffer from that slows acceleration of the economies increase. One primary factor is the geographical location of the tropical states, and environmental hazards that occur there.

Environmental Factors

Earthquakes are among the less frequent but far more damaging hazards. Haiti, Jamaica,

Cuba and the Dominican Republic (DR) all share a piece of the two fault lines that triggered the

7.0 Earthquake in Haiti in 2010. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the country’s capital,

Port-Au-Prince. The Caribbean Plates and the epicenter of that earthquake are depicted in figure one, page four. Prior to that Haiti had not experienced a major earthquake in 200 years, and the

DR in 800 years (Harris, 2010). In 1997, Trinidad and Tobago experienced a 6.1 magnitude earthquake, but felt a rippling 4.7 earthquake from Haiti. The Caribbean has a history of earthquakes, and these earthquakes incur deaths and damages that equate to billions of dollars in disaster relief (Lundahl, 2013).

The Caribbean is also located along the hurricane belt that runs through all the islands causing severe storms during hurricane season. Hurricane Irma and Maria (the most recent hurricanes to travel through the Caribbean) impacted Cuba, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, and The

Bahamas. Each time hurricanes hit it is not only a devastation to infrastructure but an inevitable delay for the business of tourism when caught off guard (Morris, 2017). Often times tourist economies must evacuate their hotels and tourists from the country to the nearest safe haven; St.

Martin evacuated about 700 guests to Puerto Rico this year (Morris, 2017). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 4

Caribbean nations are subject to flooding, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

Between 2001 and 2007, natural disasters in Haiti estimated $4.6 billion and claimed over

18,000 lives (Lundahl, 2013).While climate definitely plays a role in the success or failure of a state, it is not the only factor. Caribbean states were all once European colonies. The climate has not changed much from then, shown by hurricane belt patterns from 1842 to 2009 in figure two, as the horizontal cone shape passes directly through the Caribbean Sea (USA’s Ancient

Hurricane, 2012). Relationships with other countries that can help in times of adversity are valuable in these situations. Haiti receives the highest portion of foreign aid in the region

(USAID from the, 2017), yet this seems to be the extent of its relationships with outside countries; this is further explored in the section concerning the contribution of history to poverty.

Figure 1. Caribbean Plate and 2010 Haiti epicenter Figure 2. Recent Hurricane Data (1842-2009)

Remaining factors of poverty in the Caribbean

Caribbean states receive tremendous aid from supportive countries, institutions, and humanitarian organizations because of poverty. These humanitarian efforts are a necessity for these countries that are wrought with environmental plagues. Many donors at times find themselves wanting to hold back from coming to the aid of states in need, questioning whether or not if foreign aid is a contributor of poorer nations remaining in poverty. According to Ester

Duflo, a French development economist who spoke at TED Talk conference in 2010, it is RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 5 common when seeing countries in poverty to wonder if donations will be used effectively to help those in need (TED2010). A controversial death toll in the Haitian 2010 earthquake caused disputes between The University of Michigan’s study published in the journal Medicine,

Conflict, and Survival and The Schwartz report written for USAID, constituting a gap of over

100,000 lives lost (Lundahl, 2013). Carleene Dei, the Haitian mission director of the USAID at the time responded to the reports denying that there was any “sign the government intentionally inflated the figures,” (as cited in Lundahl, 2010, Haitian Truth, 2011. P. 203). Examples like this cause donors to question the intentions of a state and the economy of disaster relief.

This seed of corruption has been evident in Haiti after the consecutive hurricane in 2008 and earthquake in 2010. Corruption in Haiti, however, has not stopped there. There has been long standing corruption built into the Republic of Haiti in its election process, judicial system, and the mishandling of wealth in the nation (Stoyan, A., Niedzwiecki, S., Morgan, J., Hartlyn, J., and Espinal, R. year). Jamaica also suffers from corruption on the governmental level and is riddled with crime according to intergovernmental organization, Caribbean Community

(CARICOM). Jamaica’s reputation and implementation of human rights has been a factor in its negative relationships with some of its CARICOM partners.

CARICOM member states like the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago have a better relationship with the U.S. (Anonymous, 2016; Bahamas Country, 2015). Lower crime rates there are connected to security through law enforcement and judicial oversite. Crime is still a problem in these areas as well, primarily in tourist areas in Trinidad and Tobago and in residence areas in The Bahamas (OSAC, 2017); yet the scale is still very disproportionate to Haiti and

Jamaica. Because of this, corruption must be tackled in resolving poverty in the Caribbean and compared to show which countries have a better institutional model, how it was achieved and RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 6 why it is successful. Mimicking these countries may or may not be successful in upholding the integrity of Jamaica and Haiti’s culture and regimes, but weighing the legitimacy of their prosperity principles may contribute to their future success. In effect, there are many causes to poverty in the Caribbean and subsequently, it will have to be alleviated in a variety of ways. The desired results of this thesis are to see flourishing economies in the backyard of the US.

Presented in the solution will be evidence, which if pursued will cause a significant increase to the GDP per capita. Having discussed common causes of poverty in the Caribbean it is also important to understand historically how these states reached a level of wealth or a level of poverty.

Wealth in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is part of the Commonwealth of Nations, previously known as the

British Commonwealth, an intergovernmental organization (IGO) combined of states that are commonly historical colonies of Britain. Queen Elizabeth is the ceremonial head of the organization but does not hold any power over its signatory states, as they are now independent

(De Smith, 1949). One of the primary goals of the IGO is to develop the economic and social sustainability of its members. As previously mentioned, the Bahamas is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean Sea. It has an established tourist economy with several popular cruise lines that pop up easily on internet searches. Services, transactions of no physical goods, currently account for 81% of the state’s economy including tourist and financial services. The state has a reputable financial service for offshore accounts accounting for 17% of the services

(Bahamas, The 2017). The Bahamas has become efficient in offering this luxury to the world that has been a sustainable source of income for the nation, but it had practice since before it reached its independence. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 7

On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became an official independent state and joined the

Commonwealth of Nations the same day. Tourists who were visiting during that time got the feeling that they were unwelcome visitors, receiving “harsh looks” of disdain (Mueller, 1973, P.

1). Lee Mueller, a reporter for the New York Times in 1973, visited the island two days before it became independent to see for himself whether white people would no longer be welcome on the island. He writes:

The Government in control of the new nation will be, of course, a black government—

hardly surprising in light of the fact that blacks constitute 85 per cent of the Bahamas'

170,000 population. And yet, black rule is relatively new in these 700 islands (only 30 are

inhabited) stretching from 50 miles off the coast of Florida to within 70 miles of Haiti.

For that reason, and because of occasional unpleasantnesses [SIC] in the past, speculation

is widespread as to how independence will affect the American traveler who comes here

for a vacation (Mueller, 1973, P.1).

Mueller continued to discuss two very different perspectives of held by Bahamians about concerning the future of their state. One view held that Bahamians would no longer feel marginalized, success would be attainable, and that equality would be recognized by the white tourists that visited the island. Even expressions of gratitude to the government for informing the islanders on the impact of tourism in the state, and training those interested on how to successfully cater to tourists were mentioned to Mueller. The contrasting opinion was not so hopeful. It elaborated on the deep disdain of the natives towards the white tourists and “that independence will, in a sense, institutionalize racial animosity leading to a further deterioration of relations,” (Mueller, 1973, P.1). Islanders were clearly torn about how the new black RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 8 government would self-sustain and whether it would be sensitive to the issues of the past forced labor moving forward.

115 years of slave trade-driven colonial economy, and more than 180 years of British governance before the Bahamas became an independent state stained the majority black population’s memory. The influence of British governance and its social and economic policies were engraved by that point, so the Bahamian’s decision to join the Commonwealth and continue to generate economic wealth through services is unsurprising; yet still creating a wealth of their own was the population’s desire. In light of the Bahamas’ current economic climate, it is obvious that while the Bahamians achieved self-governance, that economic individuality never actually came about: tourism was having an extensive impact on the economy there.

The economy of tourism in the Bahamas in 1973 accounted for 70% of the nation’s Gross

National Product and 60% of the government’s revenue (Mueller, 1973). The World Bank Group confirms that the journalist’s assertions about the effect of the economy were true by its current statistics. The newly formed nation’s GDP has seen a steady increase since the joining of the

Commonwealth in 1974, and the wealth of the Bahamas has been increasing since the 1960s wavering somewhat from year to year. The growth manifested through population and life expectancy increases. GDP per capita has increased from 1550 USD in 1960 to over 3000 USD in 1970, reaching its peak in 2007 at 24301 USD and its most recent statistics 23124 USD

(Bahamas, The, 2017).

The growth of The Bahamas is attributable to its history, the joining of the

Commonwealth, and the governing of the nation since its independence. It is also important to remember that gross domestic product per capita is the country’s total output divided by the number of persons in a country, which may not reflect fully how many Bahamian’s are living in RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 9 some severe level of poverty. The poverty line in The Bahama’s is recognized as being high by other developed nations at $4,247 per year, that is about $11.60 per day, almost 4 times as much as that of Haiti. This so-called “poverty line” is used interchangeably for the unemployment rate.

Several sources revealed debate on whether these persons were actually living in poverty or simply unemployed. Either way, about 12.7% of Bahamians are living with less than $11.60 per day, and the majority of them are living in the outer, less populated island-cities of The

Bahamas. While the GDP does not reflect the incomes of the lesser populated areas, unemployment percentages are declining annually between the islands (The Government of the,

2016). The tourist business is ever increasing globally, and the distribution of wealth is growing in places it had not before, because of this, the Bahamas is considerably doing well.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are also a part of the Commonwealth. Trinidad and

Tobago are the joining of two small territory islands into one state at the southernmost tip of the chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea; it is off the coast of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago offer a different type of narrative in the Caribbean, not settled or colonized by only one country.

Spaniards settled the island of Trinidad in 1648, but the British took it over in 1797 without much of a fight. Towards the end of Spanish occupancy, they sought to further populate the island with other Europeans and their slaves with incentives such as tax-free land to increase influence as the dynamic changed. (Brereton, 2010). As the British took over the island there was a significant increase in African slaves until the Slavery Abolition Act. At that time the British began to import indentured servants from British India. The African and Indian descendants now comprise 80% of the Trinidad and Toboggan population (Brereton, 2010). The other 20% are

British, French, Dutch, Chinese, Venezuelan, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian, Haitian, etc. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 10

Diversity of a nation is an indicator of globalization, which is the basis for interaction between countries and the exchanging of finances, and culture, etc. An early globalization of

Trinidad and Tobago has led to a diverse population but not a diversified economic structure.

Like the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago experienced a peaceful transition from slavery and

British governance to independence. While the islands were settled primarily as sugar plantations, agriculture now accounts for only 1% of the nation’s GDP. In 1857, oil in Pitch Lake had become a significant part of the state’s economy. In 1902, one of the first wells produced up to 100 barrels (bbl) of oil per day (Boopsingh, 2014). Trinidad and Tobago remain dependent on this resource.

In 2010, Ramesh Ramasaran did an in-depth study of the growth of the post-colonial

Trinidad and Tobago, and compared the amount of oil from its discovery to present day production. There was obvious advancement in industry and a decrease in the death rate in that time, yet plans of Trinidad and Tobago indicated a desire to reflect an economically independent country. Ramasaran goes on to quote the Trinidad and Tobago Development Plan of 1983-1986:

At the start of the oil boom towards the end of 1973, the economy of Trinidad and

Tobago "suffered from a number of structural weaknesses, the principal of which were:

domination of the economy by oil; heavy dependence on imported food; the consequent

lack of diversification of the production and export structure; a wage and salary level

more appropriate to the petroleum industry than to the other sectors of the economy; and

a high level of open unemployment gradually being addressed.” (Ramasaran, pp. 224)

The production of oil increased greatly from 1902 and 1968, where crude and natural gasoline went from 350,000 barrels in one year to 67 million barrels in 1968. Between 1969 and

1971 production decreased by 20 million (Ramasaran, 2010). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 11

Although the economy of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has been on the rise almost consistently since the 1960s, the dependence on oil has led to a discontentment of the people and its government as they see consequences of reliance on a single resource. Countries that have little to no agricultural territory often find themselves reliant on other states. Oil is not an infinite resource and the state has to look ahead to a time that the oil wells may run dry. The highs and lows of the national income per capita directly reflect on the state of the oil economy. After the oil boom, between 1982 and 1989 there was a drop in oil prices and in production; the economy’s GDP and per capita income both dropped by about 30% (Ramasaran, pp. 227).

It is increasingly apparent that having one major resource as the basis for an economy is not sustainable. Although it is among one of the more wealthy islands in the Caribbean, the state had a GDP per capita in 2016 of only 15680USD and an average of 16489USD over the last 10 years. The state is about $8000 behind the Bahamas. In comparison, the states are primarily reliant on one major source of income; in the Bahamas, the service sector, and in T&T, oil deposits. In contrast, the Bahamas had a well-established service economy long before its independence. T&T however developed its oil economy for only 60 years before it gained complete autonomy of its resources.

T&T were correct on the necessity of diversifying their economy. A diverse economy offers multiple streams of income, a necessity for building wealth rather than living on a middle income. While T&T and The Bahamas have not yet achieved self-reliance due to a lack of agricultural resources, trade has always been a function of growth for the human race. As of now, colonialism has given these two states a profession that would generate wealth for the state’s future, yet their growth is constrained by the states lack of natural resources. Not all RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 12 colonized countries received a profession to generate middle class income however, as Jamaica and Haiti’s history will show.

The Fight for Jamaica

The colonization of Jamaica was a formidable one. The Spanish arrived to settle the large island in 1509 and were met by the Taino and Arawak people that migrated originally from

South America (Long, 2002). Again, the British pushed out the Spanish. This time as the Spanish gave up the island many hid their valuables, and freed their slaves and cattle so as not to give the

British soldiers easily attainable supply (Gardner, 1971). Their freed slaves fled to the mountains and integrated with the natives of the country.

The British brought more and more slaves to compensate and work the plantations. What followed would eventually be the primary catalyst for The Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. Freed slaves, Spanish fugitives, and indigenous peoples of the mountains continuously attacked the settlements, often freeing more slaves that would join their insurrection. As these people began to outnumber the British and as the British continued abused their slaves the result was many slave revolts. The Jamaican revolt of 1831-1832, threw abolitionist in Britain into frenzy, and the government finally gave in to the years of pressure by the abolitionists. British settlers forced to give up their way of living grew deep in resentment (Matthews, 2006).

Oppression preceded independence in Jamaica. The history was a breeding ground for future discontent. Even though British governance was somewhat peaceful over Jamaica for the next 150 years, in 1962 Jamaica was gaining momentum for independence. Once Jamaica received independence, the newly established black government adopted Britain’s parliamentary style of government. The Jamaican economy has seen a regular increase in production and RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 13 income since the change of government; however, the increase is not significant and it may have to do with the way the British governed the country prior to its independence.

Historically, violence was a part of Jamaica before it became independent. Violence between political parties was an issue in the 1940s and 1950s and political parties often inflicted violence on one another. This violence only grew as advancement in weaponry grew. Since then violence and crime in Jamaica is persistent and attributable to the history of inter-party violence

(Harriot, 2004). The United States Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has some disconcerting statistics regarding the current crime in Jamaica that is majority gang related.

Crime in Jamaica is linked to underpaid civil servants, economic instability, public debt, a high unemployment rate and its population size. Jamaica has 2.88 million people. In 2016,

OSAC data showed:

There were 1,350 murders (the highest figure in five years, and an increase of 11.8%

from 2015), 1,216 shootings, 449 aggravated assaults, 480 rapes, 1,415 robberies, and

1,268 break-ins recorded in 2016. With a population of approximately 2.9 million people,

Jamaica continues to have a high homicide rate (36.1:100,000), which places it among

the top-five highest (per capita) national homicide rates in the world. (Jamaica 2017

Crime.)

Of those murders, law enforcement only makes 54% arrests, and of those arrests, only

7% of the criminals are convicted. These staggering statistics make Jamaica’s beauty for tourism repulsive. Worse still, it cripples the peoples trust in the justice system there, reflects poorly on government decisions, and calls into question motives not simply of gangs on the street, but criminals whose political seat allows for the perpetuation of violence. Large populations should be a benefit to their state but in Jamaica it is not implemented as so. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 14

Wealthy countries not only have natural resources, and access to waterways, but also a human resource or workforce. Jamaica has access to waterways. It also has natural resources such as alumina (used to create aluminum metal) and bauxite (used for the creation of cement), industries that account for 23% of its GDP. It also has agricultural exports such as bananas, coffee, rum, and sugar that have consistently been about 8% of the states GDP. Jamaica is a tourism and service hot spot with access to waterways for trading. These things should prove that a diversified economy leads to prosperity. However, the current GDP per capita in Jamaica is

4460USD. The application of the human resource is missing.

The population differences between the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica are as pervasive to the wealth gap as the structure of the economy. Jamaica has 2.88 million people;

Trinidad and Tobago have a population of 1.36 million, and the Bahamas 390,000. Jamaica has more people than those two countries combined. Looking at these statistics, the states GDPs, and the per capita incomes, arguments arise such as the population size is too large and that is why it is in poverty, or the Bahamas is able to employ more of its citizens because it has a smaller population size. However, all three countries have experienced economic growth, and population and mortality increases.

The World Bank Group, a global partnership that generates loans to alleviate poverty, begins its records of Jamaica in 1968 with a per capita income of 620USD. In comparison to

T&T and The Bahamas, who both received their independence in the same year, there was only a

200USD gap, but Jamaica is far behind Trinidad and Tobago in development. Additionally,

Jamaica’s economy is more diverse than Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas. Jamaica does not have the luxury of having oil under its soils, but a successful economy must also not be simple as diversification. The reason the human resource is working against Jamaica is of crime. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 15

There is a famous quote by American singer Lisa Marie Presley (daughter of the famous singer Elvis Presley), in which she states, “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” This quote can also be linked to the biblical proverb that says, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,”

(Proverb 16:27 TLB). Jamaica’s unemployment rate is 12.2% of 2.88 million people (Trading

Economics, 2017). That is over 351,000 people who are unemployed; these people are the ones who are most likely to reap the consequences of territories pierced by crime. Over 25% of those unemployed fall between the ages of 20 and 24 years old (The World Bank in Jamaica).

Kimberley Hibbert, a reporter from the online news source Jamaica Observer, analyzed a study done by the senior and deputy superintendents of Jamaica concerning crime among youth.

It was found that the World Bank Group’s data does not include age range 17 to 19 of the unemployed youth, and that only 12% of unemployed youth are even willing to work. A great majority of these unemployed teens and young adults also do not possess the training or academia to qualify for jobs and need remedial education (Hibbert, 2014). The implications on crime reveal that in the most crime-ridden areas, there are also large populations of the unemployed youth, and these areas account for 73% of murders in Jamaica.

Hibbert reported in 2013 that the number of youth committing serious crimes was increasing in the 15 to 19 age bracket while decreasing in age of 20 to 24, and that 60% of murder victims between the ages of 15 and 24 were all either unemployed or unskilled laborers.

Additionally in her report, the same amount of perpetrators fell between those age groups. The typical offenders in nearly 85% of murders and violent crimes were males. In contrast, a survey conducted for the Institutions for Development and Country Department Caribbean by the Inter-

Amercan Development Bank found that in the same year victims between the age 25 and younger accounted for 28% of victims (whereas in the former it was 60%), and the largest RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 16 groups of victims were over the age of 25 (Harriot and Jones, 2016). However, both the survey and the commentary agree that the majority of perpetrators are male and between the ages of 15 to 25 years. In order to not be bogged down by comparing and contrasting skewed ages and percentages, the most common factor is that unemployed and unskilled males commit a majority of crime and the majority, regardless of the age of the victims, are youth. Figure four gives a general perception of murder victims in Jamaica.

A small percentage of the violent crime victims in Jamaica are women and children; women are the primary victims of rape and domestic abuse and are often used as mules for drug trafficking. Children are not only victims of violent crime, but also lose parents because of the crime. Women and children account for roughly 15% of violent crimes. This creates a vicious cycle for children who are soon to be teens and adults unable to receive the necessary education for future employment, because of their inability to get to school and proper parenting.

Between 2009 and 2014, plenty of

legislative laws were passed to prevent

crime; the ineffectiveness of implementation

has caused the laws to seem as more of a

formality than true policy. The acts, laws,

and policies that were passed include: increased sentences for perpetrators of gender-based violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and gang and organized crime. However, Jamaica’s 2030 National Development plan “signals a new orientation towards monitoring and evaluation,” for addressing crime (Harriot and Jones, 2016. P

73). The plans focus on interrupting transmission, preventing future spread, and adjusting the present group norms; ministries, departments and agencies increasing education and health for RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 17 children are a part of developing plans. New strategies also require that Jamaica provide adequate resources for youth in conflict with the law and systems to rehabilitate these children.

As mentioned before, prior inabilities of the government to provide reliable protection for its citizens caused distrust. It also produces fear. Even in a flourishing economy with available jobs and adequate pay for cost of living, if the city or state is plagued with a high percentage of violent crimes and theft, the community expects protection. More overly, if those who are caught and prosecuted are not often convicted but released back into the public, there will continue to be a desire for the working class to move out of the state into one that is more secure. It is human nature to desire protection. It is also within human nature to protect. A lack of security for individuals has long-term consequences as well as immediate.

One Jamaican YouTube vlogger and college graduate, Delroy Renton, decided to conduct interviews about what the people could do about crime in Jamaica. His conversation with one woman gave insight to how the citizens feel about the crime. Mentioned were feelings of the media (particularly in movies) perpetuating the circumstances, presenting the gang violence as an acceptable lifestyle, describing it as a mentality of survival. His interviewee described the situation as disheartening, and reflections on her past of children always needing to be escorted to school by a family member, to presently, teenagers cannot go to school without each day being harassed. The most devastating feelings showed that those who migrate to America to gain education to return to Jamaica and fight for change often end up murdered or fear being murdered in the process. In conclusion the anonymous interviewee determined, “The people need to come together with prayer…[briefly unable to hear/perceive]…put their hands and arms together for the common interest and work together to get that wickedness that crime to just…eradicate,” (Renton, 2017). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 18

Social Sector Development Specialist at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Charles

Clayton, has said that a mindset change is essential if Jamaica is to solve its social problems. He stated that ,"A mindset change is necessary, if we are going to change our society for the better; the way we think and act must be addressed,” (Vision 2030 Jamaica, 2017, p.1). The press release for Jamaica’s 2030 Vision concluded that national long-term development of the plan is created by a variety of stakeholders, including the government, opposition, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, and community/interest groups (Vision 2030 Jamaica,

2017). Crime in Jamaica’s large population is not only a symptom of poverty, but also a creator of it. In Haiti, the population is even larger, and the people are proportionately poorer; however, in this instance, crime is only a fraction on the issue of poverty.

Haiti’s greatness manipulated

Haiti’s population is the largest of the three previous states with 10.8 million people

(Trading Economics, 2017). It is also the largest, almost three times the size of Jamaica. While

Jamaica has been considered one of the most violent countries in the western hemisphere as far as violent crimes, Haiti has continuously been on the travel warning list for U.S. residents as mentioned previously for a variety of reasons such as disease (cholera, zika virus, and malaria), and violence and theft in capital Port-au-Prince (US Passports and Int). Like Jamaica, Haiti has a large population that is working against the economy instead of for it. However, Haiti’s history is most likely the cause of its poverty devastation than any other factor.

Haiti was the first independent state of freed black slaves, nearly 150 years before the others. The people won their independence from France in a war of rebellion against their violent slave oppressors. Their rebellion succeeded but when Haiti became independent it had little structure for a government and agricultural resources (because of over plowing and soil erosion) RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 19 to create momentum for a successful economy. Haiti prepared for a returning France, but France never returned to war with Haiti again. Instead they returned to demand repayment of lost funds through Haiti’s new found independence, stating that the fields and whatever was left behind as the French fled, was stolen property. The amount was a preposterous 150 million francs. The amount was repaid, over thirty years and finally Haiti was recognized a sovereign state (Harris,

2017).

Overtime, the world never saw that these repayments were as ludicrous as they were. The demands were fully supported by the international governments at that time. It is odd that France has never repaid Haiti for the amount of money that it demanded from them to present. France, who has been a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) up until

December 2016 when their membership was not renewed, has pledged through membership of the council the “promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them,” (United Nations

Human, 2017, p.1). The UNHCR takes several different measures and treaties to protect the rights of trafficked victims (persons sold for economic gain, slavery). These recommendations require a remedies and restitution (United Nations Human, 2017). France has also adopted and ratified several treaties such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

In 2011, after the earthquake centered in Haiti’s capital, while several governments pledged millions of dollars in aid, the French government pledged less than one million dollars.

However, some non-governmental organizations that France is a part of pledged much more, and the French donated more through those avenues (Haiti Earthquake Aid, 2016). France has RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 20 refused to pay the equivalent it demanded from Haiti although Haitians were trafficked victims and still suffer from the state in which France left the land. (Perhaps it is because the current equivalent is over 20 billion USD.) The French did not leave behind much for the Haitians to reap the benefits of, so in essence, they should not have owed the French anything. It was France who were the thieves, which was common practice amongst colonizing countries. None of these countries now however would demand that any trafficked person would be required to pay back the drug dealer or the leader of a prostitution ring for lost wages; but also, none of the colonizing countries give reparations to descendants of kidnapped victims for the use human trafficking, deciding that freedom was repayment enough. So Haiti is forced to receive a majority of its income from remittances and foreign aid.

In 2016, remittances in Haiti was recorded by the World Bank Group as 2.359 billion

USD. The GDP of Haiti in 2016 was 8.02 billion dollars; remittances were nearly 30% of its

GDP (World Bank Group). In 2005, 81% of Haitian emigrates (those leaving the country), were skilled workers, these are the people sending remittances. This occurrence is known as brain drain (Bellamare, 2012). Those who leave are found to have left the country not just for economic reasons but also educational, and their countries population size. Many believe that the government is not doing enough about the unemployment rate and amount spent on education, so while families are leaving to find employment, they are also leaving for the future education of their children (Bellamare, 2012).

As for most migrants who have plans to return, many do not. Bellamare concludes her article stating:

Faced with the explanation of the brain drain in the island Caribbean, the [lack of]

capacity for innovation and the growing need for skills in these Caribbean island RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 21

territories, an analysis of the causal effects would bring to light any possible adjustments

or public policies. (Bellamare, 2012. P. 1)

In 2006 Haiti received a loan from an international lending agency, the Inter-American

Development Bank, to help slow down the rate of brain drain. Brain drain removes skilled workers from the state that needs them, but remittances that flow from one country to another is the redirection of a country’s funds, in this case, American dollars moving to the Haitian economy…and staying there. The money from the loan was meant to employ and increase the wages of the skilled citizens and also attract the return of the Haitian diaspora to work in areas of

“Public Works, Health, Education, Agriculture and Planning and External Cooperation,” (Haiti gets international, 2006). In 2006, remittances only accounted for 21% of Haiti’s GDP, and now accounts for almost 30%, adjusted for inflation (Todoroki, E., Vaccani, M., & Noor, W., 2009).

The number of immigrants from Haiti to the United States and the remittances that they are sending home is only increasing as seen in figure three, page twenty-two.

At the university in Port-Au-Prince, Université d'État d'Haïti, students are hopeful about the future of Haiti, and what they may accomplish through their studies in math, English, science, and technology. In an interview with a young businessperson in Haiti, Jeff Joseph, a 25- year-old owner of a language school and a restaurant is also hopeful of the direction of his country. Joseph states, “You know that Haiti is a country with a lot of strong people. Nowadays the situation is not the same as it was before because of the government’s efforts and the private sector have done (a lot) to create more business in the country,” (personal communication,

November 19, 2017). Still, many of the students desire to finish their education and migrate to the United States (personal communication, June 26, 2017). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 22

Haiti’s government will

need to continue to implement

policies that will enable the

poor to have opportunities to

create their own businesses,

which then create a higher rate

Figure 3. Haitian Immigrant Population in the United of employment. In contrast to States, 1980-2015 those in Haiti who have better access to education and jobs many of whom will eventually migrate to another country, the poor are most likely out of the population to have more trust in the government’s institutions.

According to a study done by the Institutional Political Science Review, trust in government institutions, specifically those that engage the community are focused in poorer areas plagued with malnutrition and housing shortages. However, “In addition to economic issues, citizens likely expect [the] government to address other concerns, such as delivering public services, guaranteeing security and combating corruption,” (Stoyan, A., Niedzwiecki, S., Morgan, J.,

Hartlyn, J., and Espinal, R, 2016). Opinions of trust and which institutions cause greater trust vary amongst the citizens when the government operates them efficiently. The institutions that reflect economic evaluations, combat of corruption, and civic engagement have teetered; and like other democratic countries, foundational beliefs of the citizens shift. Overall, when the government is consistently combatting corruption, the citizens seem to have most trust in them.

This trust is due to the effects of corruption on its citizens. Until the corrupt government officials and those who are employed by the government are caught and penalized, and/or imprisoned, the effects of the corruption are passed on to the citizens. Corruption consists of RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 23 taking bribes, manipulation of law for personal gain, intimidation, and any other abuse of power, and directly impacts Haitians and their inability to succeed in business and education. Although trust has increased in these areas as the government takes greater strides to confront corruption, the current president in Haiti, President Jovenel Moise, was inaugurated under suspicion of money laundering (Haiti: incoming Haiti leader, 2017).

While money laundering is already an unforgiving suspicion of an incoming president for a country that is underdeveloped economically, on top of these allegations, the President announced in October, to increase the military in Haiti. Withdrawal of the UN Peacekeepers and continuing their work in combatting smuggling and disaster relief operations is declared as the motivation (Haiti: new army could, 2017). However, in a state that has a history of military intervention in government affairs, this is breeding ground for a military coup. More overly, funding for the military is likely to take away from funding from local police, and because crime in Haiti is mostly concentrated locally, this increase in military is potentially dangerous if implemented too soon and not given the time proper for efficient training. The military has been disbanded up until now since 1995.

This decision to focus on military is reminiscent of a neighboring United States where the second largest percentage of the budget goes towards military defense (Center on Budget and

Policy Priorities, 2017). At a time where trust in combatting crime and corruption is increasing for Haiti, the government will have to focus greatly on what is most important for the well-being of its citizens and the growth of the economy, which primarily include increase in budget for education, social services, and combatting crime and corruption on a local level. Neglect of these items and the threat of increasing militant power does not only have the potential to lower public trust, but may result in countries with greater power interfering with government operations. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 24

Protests at the grassroots level have made the most significant changes in government policy in Haiti. These protests are most frequent in poorer areas, and these areas also receive the most attention from the government. Protests have been proven to be a powerful weapon in political decisions not only because it causes a disruption in the economy, but also because it receives international attention. While the government has had advantage over its citizens through corruption in the past, international disassociation with Haiti has moved from primarily racism and fear of a freed slave black government, to disassociation due to corruption of economic proportions. Haiti moved from a bad place of slavery and oppression, and reacted by moving to a worse place of oppression of its poor by their own hand, however, this practice was also instituted from Haiti’s independent foundation.

It would behoove the government of Haiti to look towards the development of its future and the potential of its economy, and determine the benefits on its citizens as a whole rather than looking to short-term benefits of the rich and powerful. Prosperity is reflective of continuous growth and over abundance, short term benefits can never reach this potential. Haiti’s rich and powerful are still living within a third world country, therefore themselves are not reaching the status they desire. In order to truly prosper, the Haitian government must learn what it takes and the discipline to implement its requirements.

What causes a nation to prosper?

Ingenuity can propel a nation economically not only by creating a profitable trade resource, but also by providing jobs to the local residents. The Industrial Revolution honed these traits with inventions that propelled the first world forward: refinements to the steam engine, the telegraph, the cotton gin, lightbulbs, the transatlantic cable and much more (Kelly, 2017). The

United States was also a colony of Great Britain. The American Revolution freed the colonized RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 25 states. Now free from the restricting trade tariffs of their oppressive colonizers, the U.S. seemed to become a success overnight. They created policies of free trade to govern international commerce and free enterprise. Their economic freedom allowed for the restructuring of power and freedom of thought. Lower or nonexistent tariffs equaled greater sources profits for entrepreneurs.

Stakeholders were relocating to the Americas for the wealth that was growing due to its

“democracy and enterprise”, and bringing their wealth with them (Landes, 1999). The rich and powerful invested in industry while shifting the hard labor and pain to those who could not say no: the poor, indentured servants, and slaves. Those who are rich and powerful often shift much of the work and pain to those in their state who cannot say no because they are in desperate need

(Landes, 1999). At this time, there was no one to invest in Haiti; no one was migrating to a black governed state that pushed out Europeans by war. In fact, those who could improve the country are now migrating to other countries to succeed (Bellamare, 2012). Investments are only beginning to happen in Haiti. In impoverished nations, investments in business are rare, and the stakes are unbalanced for the entrepreneur. In the past, the only types of investments in Haiti were not investments at all but foreign aid and remittances.

However, things may be changing for Haiti as China has taken a newfound interest in the country. In order for China to continue in growth, it needs new countries to sell its goods too.

China has been investing in many countries in hopes that they will become a reliable trade partner. China has recently made good on a promise to invest 4.7 billion USD into the nation’s capital Port-Au-Prince. “The city will look to tackle urban pollution and sanitation by installing

450 public toilets, and implementing a public garbage collection system and waste landfills,” RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 26

(Kelly, 2017. P.1). This is the boost that Haiti has needed for a long time to help tackle illness and disease.

Jamaica has also received investments into their economy. In 2015, China proposed a 1.5 billion USD deep container port and 600 million USD railway around the island that would eventually be decorated with luxury hotels, restaurants and bars (Laville, 2015). In July 2017,

Jamaica announced that it would accept China’s generous proposals (The Caribbean Journal,

2017). Some Jamaicans are raising questions about the intent of these Chinese investments. What does it mean for Jamaican labor?

As Jamaica sees a continuous increase in Chinese laborers in Jamaica trade unionists complain that the presence of the Chinese will do little to lift Jamaicans out of unemployment

(Laville, 2015). Alumina is a valuable resource in Jamaica. The Jamaican government sold

Alpart, Jamaica’s primary alumina refinery facility, to the Chinese state-owned JISCo in July

2015, for 299 million USD. In contrast to opposing labor arguments, the Caribbean Council concludes that Jamaican, Mike Henry (Jamaica’s Transport and Mining Minister), thinks differently.

“Reflecting the political sensitivity of the continuing increase in the number of Chinese

workers on the island, Mr. Henry said that JISCo has been asked to provide details of the

required job qualifications to ensure that “no Jamaican who is qualified for these…is left

out.” He also confirmed that the company would be employing the existing Alpart staff,

recruiting most former and available employees and creating around 700 new jobs from

the latter part of 2016. He said that the company will be “paying great attention” to

protecting the environment. Alpart had been closed from 2009 to 2015,” (The Caribbean

Council, 2017, p. 1). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 27

As the Jamaican unemployment rate has consistently decreased since July 2016 from 12.9% to presently 12.2%, it can be assumed that the state is making an effort to make good on these promises.

China has sent many of its Chinese migrant workers to the states that it invests in to labor the projects. In 2016 both Jamaica and Haiti saw a drop in their total gross domestic product

(GDP). Tanzania in Africa, however, has seen a steady climb in the economy since their Chinese foreign investment in 2011. Other states benefitting from Chinese investment are great sources of encouragement for underdeveloped countries. It is possible that though there was a recent drop in

GDP, because the employment rate is increasing, that reflection on the GDP may be taking a moment to adjust to the increases. Nevertheless, some American politicians seem to oppose the idea of widespread Chinese investment:

“Earlier this year China promised $20 billion in investments to various African

countries, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a speech that African

countries should consider partnerships with more responsible countries as against

countries that exploit resources, in an unmistakable reference to China,” (Badkar, 2012,

p. 1).

Almost in response, President Barack Obama, signed the United States-Caribbean

Strategic Engagement Act in mid-December 2016 just before leaving the office. The legislation is a multi-year strategy that concentrates on issues of concern to the region “such as security, energy, diplomacy and increased access to educational opportunities," (Hamaludin, 2017). With the new administration taking place in the United States, it is uncertain if Obama’s act will remain in effect. Jamaica desiring as many investors and partners as possible to increase security, education, and employment, it also needs to pay attention to the intent of these investors. China’s RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 28 investments and the U.S. response are reminiscent of the shatterbelt region of the Middle East where regions that are already suffering internal struggle are used as pawns by larger powers to extract the resources of the state.

Are Jamaica and Haiti headed for more trouble by allowing influence and investment by foreign economies, or headed for wealth and prosperity because of benevolent governments seeking to spread wealth among poorer nations while gaining more capital for its government?

One thing is certain; money (investment) makes more money. With stewardship and innovation, the Caribbean economy could skyrocket and quickly rescue the impoverished. What other options do nations like Haiti have to deny investors? What would Haiti look like with a GDP per capita of $20000USD? Will the advancement of industry save their islands from tormenting weather conditions? Could it make it worse?

Cost/Benefit Analysis of Productivity

Global climate change has scientists and environmentalists around the world talking.

Many media sources are now discussing the fate of the world due to environmental change as a popular topic. Statistics have shown that the heat of the earth is increasing. There is clear evidence in the melting of the polar ice caps. As Russia gains northern access to waterways, islands are being washed away from the earth’s surface. The bulk of this has been attributed to industrialization, deforestation, and digging up natural resources in the earth. Scientists have revealed the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since industrialization began; and physicians have noticed a spike in respiratory issues in patients who live in industry efficient nations.

These examples of the earth’s deterioration beg the question whether or not further industrialization by countries living in poverty is necessary to gain wealth. Additionally, those RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 29 warmer, tropical climates will need to have some relief to the toil of labor in the heat to be able to work more efficiently. This brings in the need for air conditioning systems. Even air conditioning can pose a threat to nature as it produces cool air and send blasts of much hotter air outside. It becomes quite possible that the increase of productivity could actually increase the heat in the tropical environment that already has little agricultural land due to its flooding rains and sun scorched dirt. The suffering will only add to the already ill-stricken environments where parasites and bugs thrive on the warm humidity that flourishes in the tropics leading to greater risks (Landes, 1999). In contrast, more modern views of scientists hold that global warming is not a result of industrialization, but that there could be numerous causes of the warming of the earth’s surface, and that change in climate may be natural. These types of arguments are indifferent to industrialization.

Despite the odds, the benefits of investment by foreign companies and governments are certainly tempting. Over half of Haiti’s population could go from living on $3USD per day to rising above the poverty line. This is significant when the people there are working day to day just to feed their families that day. The quarter of Haitians living below the extreme poverty line could have stable jobs that they return to each day, unconcerned about the threat of losing their jobs and not being able to feed their families. Their children would be in school as they work, learning of their rich history and creating new ways to continue the advancement of their country. Earthquake shaken buildings would become beautiful restaurants in an urban city, and flooded waterways would drain to the ocean quickly without dragging garbage with it.

In all truth, while the land of Haiti is a beautiful landscape, its garbage problem may remind one of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With nowhere for the trash to go it just continues to collect in the streets and on the shores with hazardous waste. While the lack of an adequate RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 30 recycling industry or waste management has led to mountains of trash, areas that the wealthy live, along the beachfronts, are spotless. Imagine driving along the countryside, seeing beautiful houses that any American would love to own, with breathtaking views, and easy access to the ocean. However, driving just a few more miles, the smell of burning plastic and trash fills the air, and even children can be seen lighting the fires.

Industry reform would especially prove to be a blessing for Haiti when it comes to waste management. The toxins that are left burning in the air and spreading through physical contact surely have generated a breeding ground for disease. The overall improvement to health would increase the national mortality rate and reduce medical costs. The air would be cleaner, and the water would become less polluted. It would also contribute to the GDP of the state because waste management is an industry in itself, providing jobs and gaining revenues through taxation of public services. With the promise of Chinese benefactors, Haiti is in position to meet the needs of the general population in this area.

Jamaica is already a well-known tourist area. However, many vacationers who visit the area and decide to travel through the island have noted the obvious poverty that lies behind the face of beauty promoted in traveler’s brochures. People are still living in huts. In 2009, almost

17% of Jamaicans lived below the poverty line and 200,000 lived without any power at all. The economy has been slow to rise, less than 1% a year for the last three decades, (The World

Factbook, 2017). As previously discussed slow increase to the economic growth is partially due to a state’s inability to control crime.

Jamaica and Haiti both are in combat with corruption and crime. Crime is an attribute of poverty. Corrupt countries are often countries where it is more of a benefit (albeit selfish) for a government official to take a bribe than for them to turn in the offenders. There are many blind RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 31 eyes to turn when drugs are trafficked through the country and ports are used to refuel before shipping drugs into the US. Jamaica is spending much of its resources to combat the problem.

Greater increase in industry (which focuses heavily on services) could be exactly what the country needs to continue to lower the unemployment rate and deter future generations from criminal activity.

The focus of Jamaica combating its crime is currently centered on the future. When employment rises, there is higher attendance in the schools. Education is a powerful tool that influences human desire and goals. When a nation’s economy increases, so does the focus on education and governments give more to schools to help foster learning. An increase in legal economic activity will not make a dent on the current crime, however, if there is no hope; yet sometimes communities begin to fight back.

Harlem, a large neighborhood in New York City, is a prime example of a hopeful. In the

1970s and 80s Harlem experienced much crime and poverty, it was suffering from drug abuse, increased gun violence, and homelessness. In 1990, several operations were underway to combat this poverty and crime. Police there began efforts to stabilize the neighborhood. At the same time, Geoffrey Canada was expanding the non-profit organization that he was recently promoted as president over. The organization catered to the education of poor children. As the programs expanded, he felt as though there was not enough progress and feared often for the lives of the children in his programs. As he continued to receive funding, he gained new insights on how to eradicate this poverty and keep the youth safe. Canada integrated social, medical and educational services, which was a new provision at the time and was under spotlight as many wondered whether or not he would succeed (Tough, 2004). RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 32

By 2009, Canada’s programs had exploded and covered a 100 block radius in Harlem.

His projects became focused not only children, but also families as a unit, and stayed with the youth into adulthood (Edelman, 2009). Harlem now has a variety of programs and services dedicated to eradicating the poverty in its neighborhood and causing the poor to find success.

Statistics reflect the progress of his efforts. The following is data from 2000 to 2011 in Harlem: unemployment decreased from 18.6% to 15.9%; serious crime decreased from 42.9 per 1000 residents to 29.9; students performing at grade level math increased from 20.9% to 48%; numbers in hospital trips decreased, and home ownership increased (NYU Furman Center,

2017)!

Simultaneously Harlem reduced poverty and crime, increased community relations between the citizens and police officers, and helped boost the economy in New York as a whole.

Today the fastest growing economic sectors in New York are in educational and health services, professional and business services, financial activities, natural resources, mining and construction, leisure and hospitality, and other services. Manufacturing in New York has seen a decreasing role in the economy (Department of Labor, 2017). In New York today, the youth’s future is not determined by his surroundings. Although these services can be costly, economic growth is directly correlated to social enhancement and revitalizes the beauty of cities participating in them.

Jamaica is already beautiful, but it needs a makeover. It would become far more attractive to tourists if poverty diminished and crime rates lowered. As China and Jamaica create these proposed railroads, resorts, restaurants, and bars, tourists will be attracted to the areas that were previously underdeveloped and it will be increasingly important for the Jamaican government to crack down on the drug trade and corruption. Travel warnings will compromise the desires of a RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 33 growing economy if gang activity continues to go unchecked. States cannot willingly put their citizen’s at risk without warning as they decide which countries to travel to. By investing in

Jamaica, China actually holds a stake in their ability to improve its conditions for travelers, therefore ought to have a significant interest in the policies that will promote safety and security there. There is too much competition for tourism in the Caribbean for Jamaica to risk such a large portion of their economy to drugs and corruption. Jamaica and Haiti both possess qualities that tourists seek out. Tourists who seek culture, diversity, and an exotic island environment have found a great location. Tourists who seek the security of safety when traveling may think twice before choosing Haiti or Jamaica.

Unmistakably, Haiti and Jamaica need adequate investments to alleviate the pressure of unemployment and immobility. Which areas of industry to invest in will prove to be the most important aspect. Knowledge and practice will be the primary requirements to achieve the promise of employment and education increases in creating an opportunity for Haitians and

Jamaicans to close the wealth gap between them and first world countries. The government and people will need to work hand in hand to establish a more propelling and skilled work force.

Recommendations

Poverty in the Caribbean has manifested in a variety of causes and derived from various foundational histories as well. The past has shown that colonialism is a catalyst for inevitable freedom. In the last century, freedom has become engraved into the hearts of many democratic policies, and in such, has sought the eradication of poverty. While European imperialism is the primary basis for the world’s current state of poverty in many aspects, imperialism was a trait far before Europeans sought to conquer the earth. The widespread directive in resolving poverty now is to eradicate it through as many solutions as triggered it. All of the aforementioned states RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 34 are now in some level of democracy. The United States was a former colony and is among the most modern democracies in the world. It has one of the highest rankings in GDP and GDP per capita in the world, it has battled, and still wrestles with drugs, crime and poverty; for this reason it is worth reviewing the steps that the U.S. took to gain wealth.

At the start of the U.S. cessation from Great Britain, the economy already had a thrust into success by a developing economy. This generating wealth led to freedom for invention.

Ingenuity resulted in further economic gain and the ability to create policies to further that economy through free trade acts and low tariffs. The success of the economy was a pull factor for immigrants and the country then grew because of the foreigners and the citizens who continued to develop it. Probably the most important factor for the United States wealth is attributed to the joining of its states into one major power. This is also not a new phenomenon and it is not just a characteristic of democracy.

The Soviet Union and more modernly, the European Union are also examples of countries (or states) thriving because of their relationship with one another. The Caribbean has birthed an intergovernmental organization like this as well, CARICOM. The IGO was established in 1973 and of its fifteen member states, Jamaica, Haiti, Bahamas, and Trinidad and

Tobago are all members. CARICOM’s objectives include a single market economy and the improvement of the standard of living for people living within the community. CARICOM is supposed to achieve this through free movement and indefinite stay in member states as one of its policies, however, relations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) have shown that these policies do not always hold up. In 2016, The New York Amsterdam Newspaper produced an article about a bickering T&T and Jamaica, and that Jamaicans (particularly women) were being frequently turned away and not allowed entry into the state. Suspicions of RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 35 the T&T government were that these women were being used as mules for the drug trade

(Persaud, 2016).

CARICOM has had similar incidents between Jamaica and Barbados, and Barbados and

T&T. Criminal enterprise has weighed on CARICOM’s ability of member states to carry out its promised objectives. However, inward focus of a community of states is the best way to retain wealth in the community. Interconnecting these economies will strengthen CARICOM member, states and their involvement with outside resources would then be seen as less dependent more as equals in trade. Because of this, relief from the burden of organized crime and the drug trade must be met with force. In the past, resistance to organized crime has been unsuccessful because of compliance by government leaders behind closed doors. These doors must be opened in order to fully eradicate these crimes against the citizens and their economy.

Some believe that it is naïve to think that crime can be eradicated completely; this hopelessness it what boggles down those who hold government seats and do not take consistent appropriate action to combat crime. However, it is equally naïve to believe that organized crime can be dismantled in one foul swoop; this mindset will prove to be a detriment to perseverance.

Full transparency in Jamaica, above all other CARICOM states, will strengthen partnership with its neighboring alliances. Jamaica’s 2030 Vision Development Plan gives disclosure to its citizens on the plans to develop its social services for protecting children and the future of

Jamaica. Trial and error is expected. In fact, trial and error should be encouraged.

French economist and author, Esther Duflo elaborated on projects of social experimentation and what works when combatting poverty. Her projects were focused primarily on how to get the poor to seek medical treatment through incentives. It was found that incentives never will convince someone to do what they do not want to do, yet incentives and deadlines will RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 36 attract those who would otherwise procrastinate. It is possible to apply these theories of experimentation in combatting crime as well. Budget trials for criminal justice programs and initiatives will determine what level of pay for public service workers will most likely deter the need to take bribes and alter the future of potential victims. Incentives are the key argument that

Duflo expresses (TED, 2010). While it is necessary to train and retrain Jamaican police officers to administer efficient justice, offering incentives for additional educational training may prove to be a driving force for well-trained officers, and encourage recruitment of future officers.

Argumentatively, one may state that incentives are not sustainable. This is only true if the results prove to be ineffective and circumstances never change. When the programs begin to yield positive results, it will improve the living standards of Jamaicans and create greater opportunity for education, future employment, and ingenuity. It will also lighten funds that are spent in hospital visits for violence-induced injuries. In incentive programs, the benefits are designed to outweigh the cost of investment. Experimenting with incentives and training will level out, and if monitored frequently and open to public commentary, will increase relationship continually between Jamaicans and their peace officers. Combatting crime is not an easy task for officers of the law; appropriate pay and adequate education stabilizes expectations of the justice system on the enforcement level.

Geoffrey Canada also used experimentation in his implementation of social services in

Harlem. Canada’s compatriots were not sure that Project Harlem would make any change and considered that it would be a waste of resources. His new projects succeeded because he knew what worked and what did not work; what failed in the past, and what was still needed. Focusing only on the students did not improve circumstances once the students left for the day. Canada also used incentives to involve families. He did the footwork going door-to-door to talk to RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 37 parents and guardians about the benefits of his programs, inviting them personally to join and bring their children. Creating well-rounded programs that focused on the needs of the community as a whole worked parallel to the NYPD’s increased focus in protecting the neighborhood.

Canada however, was not a governmental official. He was an ordinary citizen with empathy and an extraordinary goal that received the support and empathy of major contributors.

His momentum gained support and that support helped evolve not only Harlem, but other cities that have implemented programs modeled after the Harlem Project. Jamaicans do not have to wait on the government to increase social funds for the development and oversight of these programs. Monetary support will be necessary though for the programs that show great potential to generate greater resources and offer incentives to the public to participate in these programs.

Because Jamaica is at the forefront on organized crime in the Caribbean, it also has the potential to be at the forefront in the development of safer policies, and just enforcement, while maintaining the ethnic culture of its community. Haiti also has the potential to move to the forefront in development. Both of these countries have the largest populations in CARICOM.

Concentrations of people are usually reflective of ecumenical characteristics (that is an economic hub) in developed countries. While CARICOM is a joint effort of Caribbean states to improve economic behavior, it should be focusing on improving education and employment in Haiti and crime reduction in Jamaica to develop them as potential ecumenes. Haiti has the manpower, whether currently educated or lacking in skills, to operate initiatives that lack laborers.

Haiti and Jamaica are at the center of CARICOM from West to East. The states have the potential to be the most thriving, although now they are at the bottom. Freedom to move from state to state within the Caribbean community however is a catalyst for Haiti’s unskilled workers to be requested in other developing communities for hard labor that requires little training. RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 38

Skilled workers and students need to focus on propelling the economy. As mentioned before, a primary directive of colleges in Haiti is in technology. The issue is that college students are spending much of their time learning languages rather than studying methods of generating and creating wealth for a country and improvement of a nation. Education is missing at the primary level for many children. Many students are supported by foreign aid scholarships; their education is dependent on the kindness of others.

Haiti’s population size can be used to its advantage. The success of previous grassroots campaigns are an example of what works in persuading the government to meets the needs of the people. The government in Haiti also needs to be transparent about its goals and the process of the implementation of those goals. These countries are lacking in basic necessities of housing, plumbing, stable electricity, garbage and recycling systems, and stores that have discounted items in poorer areas. There is no reason for these things to not be available when the work force is so large and readily trained. Haiti’s misuse of foreign aid and economic support, and the lack of disclosure by the government, is why these projects are not developed at a faster rate. Projects begun by government subsidies and loans generate income. It is important though to decide in whom to invest, or who to allow to invest.

China has invested 4.7 billion USD to Port-au-Prince for a domestic makeover of the capital. Haiti then will have the opportunity to use its other funds for community development for its more rural cities. In fact, Haiti currently needs to redirect its foreign aid funds away from military, into ingenuity and business. Recycling and garbage systems are considered businesses, electricity and gas are also considered businesses. Allowing too many foreign investments to come in and establish these businesses will take away from the greater benefit of keeping these investments in house. Loans, subsidies, and foreign aid can quickly get these projects in Haiti RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 39 underway. With states like the Bahamas and T&T leading in the economies of the Caribbean

(including states not a part of CARICOM), bringing skilled laborers from those states to head projects in Haiti is more profitable in the end for all parties, than the redirection of Haitian resources to another continent. However, if Haiti and Jamaica do continue to receive foreign investments from countries outside of CARICOM, those investments must reflect the future needs of the people at all times.

If CARICOM truly seeks to become a single economy within the Caribbean with sustainable wealth, it would be better for CARICOM to invest what funds it does have in itself, than to continue to take large loans from countries outside of its influence. The loan from China is a great start to what needs to be done in Haiti, and if used properly, and other funds are protected and invested appropriately, reconstruction will not only be in the capital in Port-au-

Prince (where it is undoubtedly needed), but from Port-au-Paix in the north, to Jacmel in the south.

The world is headed to a new place in technology and preserving the environment.

Although Haiti has already experienced the effects of deforestation it is not too late to invest in technology that caters to climate change. Haiti’s rural areas are perfect for experimentation on the redevelopment of soil, and focusing on the prevention of further soil erosion will be important for the future. Haiti is situated in an area that battles with hurricanes yearly, it has the opportunity to offer the world something through its weaknesses including greater infrastructure to withstand earthquakes; yet it also needs the time and resources to develop climate change technology and initiatives. The issue here remains that many of Haiti’s people are starving, and those who are employed still make less than $1000 a year. Many Haitians are lacking in food, RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 40

shelter, and water, unable to focus on advancement because basic needs are not being met. If they had these necessities there’d be more of a focus on education and innovation.

Haitian protestors should focus on the demands for momentum in transparency, technology, and investment. Protesting has not only been a successful tool for Haiti but also in the United States, Israel, the U.K., Egypt, and around the globe. The results have achieved voting rights, civil rights and social services, labor rights, and government transparency, etc. The

Haitian government needs a development plan with deadlines approved by citizens. Jamaica already has a development plan, but needs to be accountable to the public and implement strategies through social experimentation.

Well-known tactics that generate wealth include economic invention through experimentation and science technology, investment, intergovernmental cooperation and low tariff inter-commerce, improvements to law enforcement and the criminal justice system, transparency and, if necessary, the restructuring of power, and appropriate family services.

Foreign aid contributors must require transparency when giving aid, and also give input to where they want to direct the funds, and oversight of how they are used until complete trust is established. Giving at times may seem to be a lost cause. Is aid helping, have lives been saved, will needs be met? Yes. Foreign aid is helpful shown increases in life expectancy increases and infant mortality. The medical revolution has given countries in poverty a fighting chance to combat illnesses such as malaria, cholera, and AIDS. Are humanitarian efforts complete once death is kept at bay?

All global contributors, governments, non-government organizations, and the public are contributors to poverty and its redemption. Of all the remedies to the global crisis of poverty, whether it is attacking medical needs, social injustice, family reform, or education, one theme is RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 41 pervasive among them all: empathy. Irish musician and activist, Bono, spoke at a TEDTalk about his ONE Campaign, a program to end hunger, poverty, and disease. He spoke against the inertia of corruption, inequality and apathy with facts and the sharing of these facts through technology.

These truths concern the history of impoverished states, the current situation, what is still needed, and how it can be achieved. It also includes that lives are changed, efforts have succeeded and contributors should be encouraged to keep giving and what transparency does to a government. These facts challenge inertia. Bono desires that these realities will cause the world to fulfill the challenge that Nelson Mandela gave in 2005, “To be the great generation that overcomes that most awful offense to humanity-- extreme poverty.” (TED, 2013)

Gary Haugen is a civil rights lawyer and the founder of International Justice Mission.

His mission is to ultimately fight the chronically neglected global epidemic of violence against the poor. Although strides have been made to erase extreme poverty, if the poverty line is increased to just $2 a day, than that number increases again. Global funds do help, but without restraining the hands of the violent that take away the aid, efforts are thwarted. In the developing world, private security forces are often five to seven times larger than the public police force.

Those with the funds can buy protection, so while crime is continuing in the inner city, wealthy business owners do not often make complaints. Haugen stressed that true compassion for the poor must address the violence that the poor suffer, and goes as far to say, “We have to start making stopping violence indispensable to the fight against poverty; in fact, any conversation about the fight against global poverty that does not include the problem of violence must be deemed not serious,” (TED, 2015).

Ester Duflo, Bono, Gary Haugen, Geoffrey Canada, and many more all had empathy when they began their fight against poverty. They have given tools that make the fight not just RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 42 emotional toil, but a credible force against widespread poverty. Momentum and perseverance will be the determining factor once empathy meets strategy. Freedom of productivity is the responsibility of the government; empathy is the responsibility of humanity.

RESOLVING POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN 43

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