How to boost the economy, fight poverty and reduce crime?

The recommendation is to follow a simple four step strategy:

1) People First (Results based Approach)

The government must utilize “inclusive” policies that put people at the centre of development. Such policies must ensure that the general populace benefits by reducing unemployment, fighting poverty and providing fair justice.

2) Government Modernization Programmes

To move the country forward towards becoming a united, and progressive society with higher living standards, it will require to implement a well mapped out series of noteworthy modernization and transformation programmes. Acknowledging major weaknesses in the government machinery in terms of implementation, transparency and efficiency of delivery, the modernization is indeed a bold step in the right direction to address and rectify these challenges and obstacles quickly.

Therefore it is necessary to establish some priority areas where the changes must occur. In general the Key Result areas identified should include:

1. Eradicating Poverty
2. Reducing corruption
3. Fighting crime
4. Improving education
5. Improving transportation
6. Improving basic rural infrastructure

Key performance indicators or indications that impact is being achieved would be the poverty levels, the income per capita, reduction in crimes, improved services and connectivity etc.

3) Economic Transformation Programme

These programs should be based on inclusiveness, income generation and sustainability and should be encompassed in a National Economic Plan or Strategy (Macroeconomic Strategy).

Some examples for focus in Belize that can be prioritized are:

Key Economic Areas:

1. Agriculture
2. Tourism
3. Industry – agroprocessing etc.
4. Energy
5. Telecommunications
6. Education
7. Health
8. Financial Services
9. Business services
10. Construction
11. Etc.

4) Holding government accountable (Monitoring and evaluation)

To be a politician, or to run for office, you are required to compromise. Most end up compromising their values, their goals and their expectations. Some also throw out their honesty and integrity. I’m not saying politicians are bad people. Quite the opposite, most are very good people trying to do positive things.

Our system of government cannot survive without citizen involvement. The first step is to find out what is happening. The second step has to be letting our government know what it is we want them to do and what we want to do for ourselves.

I would recommend that a group of citizens be set up to include certain civic leaders and to include a cross section of the society i.e. civil society, trade union, churches etc and people who have the country at heart.

Related articles

• Investment in human resource key to reduce poverty (thehimalayantimes.com)