CDB conducts poverty reduction assessments for 32 communities

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched its flagship poverty reduction program. The program is implemented through the “Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF),” and 32 communities in Jamaica, Guyana, and Saint Lucia were assessed to determine the specific interventions required for each community.

The BNTF was established in 1979 and, since its inception, has impacted over three million people in vulnerable communities by investing in community-led development. This marks the 10th cycle of the fund.

Moreover, approximately 10 countries, including Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, and Suriname, participated in this initiative.

Basic Needs Trust Fund Program

This program is designed by the Caribbean Development Bank with the objective of reducing direct poverty in the region. Such a fund responds to the needs identified by the most vulnerable communities. The priority areas identified in this are:

• Water and Sanitation
• Education and Livelihood enhancement
• Drainage

The program focused on enabling community groups to identify areas where improvements are needed.

Further assessments revealed that about 86% of the groups did not have a constitution to govern their operations. Additionally, 96% of the group members did not have the capacity to write proposals.

Moreover, 62% of the 32 communities were unaware of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program aligns with the SDGs as well.

To address these issues, the BNTF will provide support to communities that have finalized their action plans to meet the SDGs. The program is committed to supporting communities by strengthening operational capacity for improved task execution.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Caribbean region is so dedicated towards the accomplishment of SDGs that the UN (United Nations) is providing support to the region for the same.

Predominantly, the goals aim at no poverty, zero hunger, Good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Not only this, the SDGs also involve economic growth, better infrastructure, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

Considerably, the region is taking every necessary action to achieve its accomplishment.