Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says persons who question the accuracy of the decline in Jamaica’s poverty rate can refer to the reduction in the unemployment rate and the increases in the minimum wage as proof of the achievement. 

Yesterday, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ reported that Jamaica’s poverty rate declined from 16.7 per cent in 2021, to 8.2 per cent in 2023.

Speaking at this morning’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Dr. Holness welcomed the news but acknowledged that some people might question the accuracy.

In seeking to allay those doubts, Dr. Holness, cited the increases in the minimum wage.

He further explained that the reduction in the country’s unemployment rate is testament to the reduction in poverty.