By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City: Tuesday 7th March 2023

Belize is a small country facing various multi-dimensional issues that contribute to poverty. Lack of finance to access quality education, limited job opportunities, poor health and healthcare, limited infrastructure, and social inequality are some of the critical factors that can hinder economic development and restrict opportunities for upward mobility. The Statistical Institute of Belize, being a Government Department, should have data on these issues to aid the government in developing effective policies.

In particular, the lack of skill training and vocational training opportunities can limit an individual's ability to find work or advance in their careers, especially in specialized industries such as technology, healthcare, or manufacturing. Limited access to credit, environmental challenges, and political instability when a party is changed into government or corruption can also contribute to poverty by restricting opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

To address poverty in Belize effectively, policymakers and community members must understand the root causes and work collaboratively to develop strategies to improve the lives of people in Belize. The Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index is an essential tool that measures poverty across multiple dimensions, including education, health, and living standards, to provide a more comprehensive picture of poverty in the country.

As a government department, the Statistical Institute of Belize must play a vital role in providing accurate and up-to-date data on these multi-dimensional issues to enable effective policymaking and implementation. By working in synergy, the government can ensure that Belizeans have access to quality education, job opportunities, healthcare, and infrastructure, and can address social inequality to reduce poverty in the country.