TURKS & CAICOS - The Caribbean Development Bank Social Sector Division officially handed over the final Country Poverty Assessment Report to the Turks and Caicos Government today, Thursday, 11 September 2014.

The report showed that the proportion of people living in poverty in the islands has reduced.

In 2012 22 percent of the population and 16 percent of households were living in poverty, compared to 26 percent and 18 percent respectively in 1999.

However, due to the greatly increased population, the absolute number of poor people in 2012 (6,800), rose from the 1999 figure (3,900).

The study found that there was a strong correlation between nationality, household size and level of poverty in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where incomers have contributed to the poverty ratios.

The Country Poverty Assessment funded through a grant of more than $130,000 that also included support for the 2012 Census.

It involved an assessment of the social and economic conditions of the TCI using a household survey.

Commenting on the exercise CDB Social Sector Division Chief Deidre Clarendon said:  "The Caribbean Development Bank is pleased to hand-over the Final Report of May 2014, to the Government. Having completed the CPA and indeed the Census, the Government is now equipped with up-to-date information and data that is readily available to inform its development, planning and responses."

Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams remarked: "I would like to thank the Caribbean Development Bank for their continued support and partnership with the Ministry of Finance, particularly the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit.”

Premier Honourable Rufus Ewing added: "The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is grateful to the CBD for this report.  We will carefully review and will use to assist us in developing policies and programs to assist in improving the conditions of those living in poverty."

A preliminary summary of the CPA's initial findings was released earlier this year while details of the final Country Poverty Assessment Report will subsequently be released by the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit.