Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kingston (Agenzia Fides) – One fifth of the Jamaican population grows steadily poorer. According to an estimate by the Jamaican Institute of Planning, the poverty rate is rising in cities while falling in rural areas, the latter thanks to greater earnings from agriculture. Compared with 2010 overall individual poverty in Jamaica has increased by 2.3 per cent to a highpoint of 19.9%. The parish of Saint Thomas has now the highest poverty rate 32.5% whereas the rate in Saint Mary’s parish is much lower 9.4%. The study, based on demographic data, family consumption, healthcare, education, housing, social care, infancy development and an ageing population, offers a detailed annual picture of the quality of life and social conditions of Jamaicans. It intends to update information regularly to facilitate government activity to meet the United Nations Millennium Goals. (AP) (3/12/2014 Agenzia Fides)
