Root Causes of Poverty in Jamaica

Key drivers:

• High unemployment (~15%): Especially youth; limits income.
• Low wages: Particularly in large informal sector; insufficient for basics.
• Education/skills gaps: Limits access to living-wage jobs.
• Crime & violence: Deters investment, stifles growth, erodes safety.
• Weak social protection: Inadequate safety net for vulnerable.

Addressing these requires coordinated policy on jobs, education, security, and welfare.