social protection in the caribbean the st. lucian experience

Social Protection in the Social Protection in the CaribbeanCaribbean

The St. Lucian ExperienceThe St. Lucian Experience

OverviewOverview

Situational Analysis - ESituational Analysis - Economic, Political conomic, Political and Social Reality and Social Reality

Review of Social Protection ProgrammesReview of Social Protection Programmes

Identification of Main Actors within relevant Identification of Main Actors within relevant Ministry -PRF, BNTFMinistry -PRF, BNTF

Registry SystemRegistry System

RecommendationsRecommendations

Country ProfileCountry Profile

Area 238 sq mi 606 sq kmArea 238 sq mi 606 sq km

Population 164,213Population 164,213

Life expectancy 73.3 yearsLife expectancy 73.3 years

Capital : Castries (60, 300)Capital : Castries (60, 300)

Languages: English, French CreoleLanguages: English, French Creole

History 7 times French 7 times BritishHistory 7 times French 7 times British

Government : Parliamentary DemocracyGovernment : Parliamentary Democracy

Political SituationPolitical SituationSt Lucia became independent from the United Kingdom on 22nd February 1979. St Lucia became independent from the United Kingdom on 22nd February 1979.

It is governed by a UK-style representative system. It is governed by a UK-style representative system.

The British Monarch, represented by Governor-General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, is The British Monarch, represented by Governor-General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, is the head of state. the head of state.

Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and his or her Government. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and his or her Government.

The United Workers’ Party (UWP) Government led by Prime Minister Sir John The United Workers’ Party (UWP) Government led by Prime Minister Sir John Compton, enjoys a 11-6 majority in Parliament after emerging victorious in general Compton, enjoys a 11-6 majority in Parliament after emerging victorious in general elections held on December 11, 20061. elections held on December 11, 20061.

The main opposition party is the St. Lucia Labour (SLP) Party by Dr. Kenny Anthony The main opposition party is the St. Lucia Labour (SLP) Party by Dr. Kenny Anthony having lost election in December after two consecutive terms in officehaving lost election in December after two consecutive terms in office

Economic SituationEconomic SituationSt. Lucia experienced a marked decline in economic growth during the 1990s andSt. Lucia experienced a marked decline in economic growth during the 1990s andearly 2000s due to :early 2000s due to :

structural problems, including high labour and utilities structural problems, including high labour and utilities costscosts, , the negative impact of the September 11, 2001 events on tourism the negative impact of the September 11, 2001 events on tourism unfavourable weather on agriculture. unfavourable weather on agriculture.

Expansionary fiscal policies were pursued after 1999 in an attempt to revive growth and Expansionary fiscal policies were pursued after 1999 in an attempt to revive growth and reduce unemployment, resulting in a steady rise in public debt. reduce unemployment, resulting in a steady rise in public debt.

Economic activity in St. Lucia was estimated to have risen by 5% during 2005, led by increased Economic activity in St. Lucia was estimated to have risen by 5% during 2005, led by increased activity in construction and within the hotels and restaurant industry.activity in construction and within the hotels and restaurant industry.

The tourism industry continues to be the most important area of economic activity and The tourism industry continues to be the most important area of economic activity and appears to hold the most potential for enhancing economic growth and development of St. Lucia. appears to hold the most potential for enhancing economic growth and development of St. Lucia.

Preliminary data indicate that real output in the economy grew by an estimated 5.4 percent in 2006,Preliminary data indicate that real output in the economy grew by an estimated 5.4 percent in 2006,primarily led by robust activity in the construction sector. primarily led by robust activity in the construction sector.

Economic Situation (cont’d)Economic Situation (cont’d)

The economy is therefore highly susceptible to The economy is therefore highly susceptible to external macroeconomic shocks, magnified by external macroeconomic shocks, magnified by an undiversified production and export base and an undiversified production and export base and exacerbated by natural disasters that have a exacerbated by natural disasters that have a serious economic impact on banana and cocoa serious economic impact on banana and cocoa crops. crops.

St. Lucia is facing new economic challenges in St. Lucia is facing new economic challenges in the context of globalisation and liberalisation. the context of globalisation and liberalisation. Economic growth will depend on improvements Economic growth will depend on improvements in the banana sector and expansion into non-in the banana sector and expansion into non-traditional crops, tourism and other services. traditional crops, tourism and other services.

Social SituationSocial Situation

St. Lucia has recently completed a St. Lucia has recently completed a CountryCountry

Poverty Assessment (CPA)Poverty Assessment (CPA)

The purpose of the CPA was to generate The purpose of the CPA was to generate information and data on the living information and data on the living conditions and the quality of life being conditions and the quality of life being experienced by individuals, households experienced by individuals, households and communities with the objective of and communities with the objective of deriving programmes and projects to deriving programmes and projects to improve standards of living in the improve standards of living in the society.society.

Indigence and PovertyIndigence and Poverty

19951995 20052005

Poor HouseholdsPoor Households 18.718.7 21.421.4

Poor PopulationPoor Population 25.125.1 28.828.8

Indigent HouseholdsIndigent Households 5.35.3 1.21.2

Indigent PopulationIndigent Population 7.17.1 1.61.6

Gini CoefficientGini Coefficient 0.50.5 0.420.42

Indigence and Poverty 1995 and 2005/06 Compared (Percent)

Indigence and Poverty 1995 and 2005/06 Compared (Percent)

Findings – SLC/HBSFindings – SLC/HBS

The indigence line was estimated to be:The indigence line was estimated to be:Day Day =EC$ 3.40 =EC$ 3.40 (US$ 1.27)(US$ 1.27)

Month Month =EC$131 =EC$131 (US$46.06)(US$46.06)

YearYear =EC$1,570=EC$1,570 (US$ 588.02)(US$ 588.02)

The poverty line (per adult) was estimated The poverty line (per adult) was estimated to be:to be:Day Day =EC$13.93 =EC$13.93 (US$5.22)(US$5.22)

Month Month =EC$423.83 =EC$423.83 (US$158.74)(US$158.74)

YearYear =EC$5,086 =EC$5,086 (US$ 1,904.87)(US$ 1,904.87)

Poverty and AgePoverty and Age

The data reveal that persons living below the The data reveal that persons living below the poverty line are disproportionately young in poverty line are disproportionately young in comparison to the proportion of youth in the comparison to the proportion of youth in the general population.general population.

The plight of the elderly poor was remarked The plight of the elderly poor was remarked on by community residents. on by community residents.

Those who were totally reliant on public Those who were totally reliant on public assistance would have been among the assistance would have been among the poorest, since public assistance payments poorest, since public assistance payments were lower than the indigence line.were lower than the indigence line.

Poverty and GenderPoverty and Gender

Micoud (27.5%), Vieux Fort (21.8%) and Micoud (27.5%), Vieux Fort (21.8%) and Sub-Urban Castries (15.3%) recorded the Sub-Urban Castries (15.3%) recorded the largest proportions of females classified as largest proportions of females classified as indigent. indigent.

Another significant finding - high level of Another significant finding - high level of indigence among men in Vieux Fort.indigence among men in Vieux Fort.

20052005Per Capita Consumption QuintilesPer Capita Consumption Quintiles

All St All St LuciLuci

aa

PoorestPoorest IIII IIIIII IVIV RichestRichest

Sex of Head of HouseholdSex of Head of Household %%

MaleMale 57.557.5 56.656.6 50.350.3 53.353.3 62.062.0 56.456.4

FemaleFemale 42.542.5 43.443.4 49.749.7 46.746.7 38.038.0 43.643.6

Both SexesBoth Sexes 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0

MeanMean

Age of HeadAge of Head 4949 5050 4949 5050 5353 5151

Household SizeHousehold Size 4.74.7 4.34.3 3.93.9 3.33.3 2.62.6 3.63.6

Children Per HouseholdChildren Per Household 1.91.9 1.51.5 1.21.2 0.90.9 0.50.5 1.11.1

Earners Per HouseholdEarners Per Household 1.61.6 1.51.5 1.31.3 1.11.1 0.70.7 1.21.2

19951995Sex of Head of HouseholdSex of Head of Household %%

MaleMale 51.751.7 49.049.0 49.149.1 58.358.3 67.067.0 56.756.7

FemaleFemale 48.348.3 51.051.0 50.950.9 41.741.7 33.033.0 43.343.3

Both SexesBoth Sexes 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0 100.0100.0

MeanMean

Age of HeadAge of Head 49.249.2 48.748.7 46.546.5 44.544.5 45.745.7 46.646.6

Household SizeHousehold Size 5.35.3 4.64.6 4.24.2 3.73.7 2.62.6 3.83.8

Children Per HouseholdChildren Per Household 2.72.7 2.02.0 1.71.7 1.41.4 0.70.7 1.51.5

Earners Per HouseholdEarners Per Household 1.11.1 1.21.2 1.41.4 1.51.5 1.41.4 1.31.3

Geography of PovertyGeography of Poverty

Several rural districts exhibited prevalence rates in excess Several rural districts exhibited prevalence rates in excess of 35%. of 35%.

Anse-la-Raye (44.9%)Anse-la-Raye (44.9%)

Soufriere (42.4%)Soufriere (42.4%)

Choiseul (38.4%)Choiseul (38.4%)

Laborie (42.1%)Laborie (42.1%)

Micoud (43.6%)Micoud (43.6%)

Moreover, Anse-la-Raye and Micoud were observed also to have had highest rates of indigence (5.3 per cent and 4.1 per

cent, respectively)

Moreover, Anse-la-Raye and Micoud were observed also to have had highest rates of indigence (5.3 per cent and 4.1 per

cent, respectively)

DistrictDistrict PopulationPopulation Percent IndigentPercent Indigent Percent PoorPercent Poor Poverty GapPoverty Gap Poverty SeverityPoverty Severity

St Lucia 2005/06St Lucia 2005/06 164,842164,842 1.61.6 28.828.8 9.09.0 4.14.1

St Lucia 1995St Lucia 1995 144,000144,000 7.17.1 25.125.1 8.68.6 4.44.4

Castries City 2005/06Castries City 2005/06 16,59416,594 1.71.7 13.113.1 3.43.4 1.81.8

Castries City 1995Castries City 1995 ------ 15.215.2 4.44.4 1.71.7

Castries Sub-UrbanCastries Sub-Urban 51,10051,100 0.60.6 22.222.2 6.76.7 2.92.9

Castries Sub-Urban 1995Castries Sub-Urban 1995 ------ 22.622.6 8.28.2 3.83.8

Anse-La-Raye/ CanariesAnse-La-Raye/ Canaries 10,28710,287 5.35.3 44.944.9 17.717.7 9.69.6

SoufriereSoufriere 9,3299,329 0.40.4 42.542.5 12.412.4 4.84.8

ChoiseulChoiseul 5,4015,401 38.438.4 9.79.7 3.83.8

LaborieLaborie 7,1907,190 42.142.1 10.610.6 3.53.5

Vieux-FortVieux-Fort 14,09614,096 4.84.8 23.123.1 10.210.2 5.95.9

MicoudMicoud 18,07118,071 4.04.0 43.643.6 14.114.1 6.86.8

DenneryDennery 11,98611,986 34.234.2 11.411.4 5.25.2

Gros-IsletGros-Islet 20,78720,787 0.40.4 24.424.4 5.85.8 2.22.2

GROS-ISLET

DENNERY

MICOUD

VIEUX-FORTLABORIE

CHOISEUL

SOUFRIERE

ANSE-LA-RAYE/CANARIES

CASTRIES RURAL

CASTRIES URBAN

Poverty Head Count13.113.2 - 24.424.5 - 38.438.5 - 44.9

Source: Central Statistical Office Household Budget Survey 2005/2006Cartographer: Sherma lawrenceDate of Publication: July 2006

0 4 82Kilometers±

Poverty Head Count shows the proportion of the population with a standard of living below the poverty line.

Poverty Head Count shows the proportion of the population with a standard of living below the poverty line.

Poverty Head Count by District Poverty Head Count by District 2005/062005/06

Findings of the CPA (cont’d)Findings of the CPA (cont’d)

Vulnerability: Vulnerability: Using an estimate of 33 percent above the Using an estimate of 33 percent above the

poverty line as the criterion of vulnerability, poverty line as the criterion of vulnerability, 46.6 percent of the population was 46.6 percent of the population was deemed to be vulnerable: in addition to the deemed to be vulnerable: in addition to the poor, an additional 16.2 percent of the poor, an additional 16.2 percent of the population would be vulnerable to shocks population would be vulnerable to shocks that could place them below the poverty that could place them below the poverty line, were these to eventuate line, were these to eventuate

Social Protection In St. Lucia Social Protection In St. Lucia The social protection system in St. Lucia is varied and multi-dimensional.

It is ad hoc and reactive rather than proactive.

It is influenced by the availability of funds from the development partners and the emphases on the international development agenda.

There is a lack of coordination

Civil society provides a strong system of social protection e.g the Church particularly St. Vincent De Paul society

The private sector has increased its role in the social protection system.

Social Protection In St. Lucia Social Protection In St. Lucia (Cont’d)(Cont’d)

Commitment by Government – during the recent budget the Prime Minister spoke of “providing direct support to some of our more vulnerable populations”

Characterised by existence of informal strategies e.g. “coup de main”

Extended family support

Support by FBOs/CBOs

Key Social Protection ProgrammesKey Social Protection Programmes

Area of Area of FocusFocus

Programme Programme TitleTitle

Type of Type of institutioninstitution BeneficiariesBeneficiaries

LabourLabour

marketmarket

National SkillsNational Skills

Development CentreDevelopment Centre

PublicPublic The unemployedThe unemployed

The National Enrichment The National Enrichment

Learning ProgrammeLearning Programme

(NELP)(NELP)

PublicPublic Adults who need education Adults who need education enrichmentenrichment

Social Assistance,Social Assistance,

Social Services,Social Services,

Health and Health and

Education / Education /

Participatory Participatory

GovernanceGovernance

The Poverty Reduction The Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF)Fund (PRF)

PublicPublic The poorThe poor

Basic NeedsBasic Needs

Trust FundTrust Fund

(BNTF)(BNTF)

PublicPublic The poorThe poor





SocialSocial

Assistance,Assistance,



EducationEducation

Child andChild and

familyfamily

ServicesServices

PublicPublic Children at riskChildren at risk

Public assistancePublic assistance PublicPublic Individuals living below the Individuals living below the poverty linepoverty line

Welfare AssistanceWelfare Assistance

ProgrammeProgramme

PublicPublic Students who require assistance Students who require assistance for books and transportationfor books and transportation

HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDS

ProgrammeProgramme

PublicPublic Persons living with Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receive HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receive monetary assistance to monetary assistance to cover food, rent and school cover food, rent and school expensesexpenses





SocialSocial

Assistance,Assistance,



EducationEducation

National Council forNational Council for

Persons with DisabilitiesPersons with Disabilities

NGONGO The disabled The disabled

National Council of and for National Council of and for

Older PersonsOlder Persons

NGONGO The elderlyThe elderly

St. Lucia save the St. Lucia save the

children Fund (LUSAVE)children Fund (LUSAVE)

NGONGO Vulnerable children and Vulnerable children and householdshouseholds

Key Social Protection ProgrammesKey Social Protection ProgrammesArea of Area of FocusFocus



Social InsuranceSocial Insurance National Insurance National Insurance

Corporation (NIC)Corporation (NIC)

PublicPublic The employedThe employed

EnvironmentEnvironment

/ national/ national

hazardshazards

The NationalThe National

EmergencyEmergency

ManagementManagement

OfficeOffice

(NEMO)(NEMO)

PublicPublic National scaleNational scale

MicroMicro

insuranceinsurance

and microand micro

savingssavings

schemesschemes

James Belgrave Micro James Belgrave Micro Enterprise Development Enterprise Development Fund (BELfund)Fund (BELfund)

PublicPublic Persons whoPersons who

wouldwould

otherwise nototherwise not

have access tohave access to

creditcredit

Structure of GovernmentStructure of Government

Key departments and agencies that interface with communities and the vulnerable population have recently been placed under one umbrella ministry - The Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Services, Family Affairs, Youth and Sports.

Ministry of Social Transformation, Human

Services, Family Affairs, Youth and Sports

Major DepartmentsMajor DepartmentsCommunity Services Community Services

Youth & SportsYouth & Sports

Human Services & Family AffairsHuman Services & Family Affairs

Gender RelationsGender Relations

Research Information & ProgrammingResearch Information & Programming

Social Agencies-Social Agencies-Poverty Reduction FundPoverty Reduction Fund

Basic Needs Trust FundBasic Needs Trust Fund

National Conservation AuthorityNational Conservation Authority

Policy FrameworkPolicy FrameworkSocial PolicySocial PolicyPoverty Reduction StrategyPoverty Reduction StrategyIntegrated Social Protection StrategyIntegrated Social Protection StrategyTargets all vulnerable groupsTargets all vulnerable groups– Single parent householdsSingle parent households– The poor and indigentThe poor and indigent– Socially displaced personsSocially displaced persons

HomelessHomelessAbandoned childrenAbandoned childrenVagrantsVagrantsThe elderly poorThe elderly poorVictims of substance abuseVictims of substance abusedeporteesdeportees

Administrative Support &

Ecclesiastical Affairs

Minister

Minister in

the Ministry

Deputy Permanent Secretary

Permanent Secretary

Secretary

Social Agencies

Department of Youth & Sports̀

Accounts Division

Accounts Clerk

Assistant Accountant

Accountant II

Admin Assistant

Accountant II

Director

Community Development

Division

Director

Youth & Sports

Officers

Placement/Programme

Officer

Facilities

Management Officers

Poverty Reduction

Fund

Basic Needs Trust Fund

Dept of Human

Services & Family Affairs

Director

Family Case Workers

Welfare Officers

Project Management Unit

Project Manager

Assistant Director(S)

Assistant Director(N)

Community Development Officers

Regional Clerk

Secretary

Secretary

Secretary

Secretary

Secretary

Department of Gender Relations

GenderRelations Officers

Director

Research Officer

Office AssistantDriver

Research & Development

Unit

Director

Development Specialists (2)

Research

Officer

National SkillsDevelopment

Centre

National Conservation

Authority

Assistant Secretary

Admin Assistant(2)

Receptionist

Clerk

Executive officer

Senior Executive

Officer

Clerk Typist

ITC Officer

DriverOffice

Assistant

Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Services, Family Affairs, Youth & Sports

Basic Needs Trust FundBasic Needs Trust FundThe Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) was established under a regional Caribbean The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) was established under a regional Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) initiative in 1979. Development Bank (CDB) initiative in 1979.

BNTF is now into its fifth programme cycle BNTF is now into its fifth programme cycle

The purpose of the Programme is to assist low- income communities to reduce their vulnerability and to improve their access to public services through the provision of social and economic infrastructure and the development of skills to enhance employability

BNTF 5 will provide support to two main types of activities, namely: -The development of social and economic infrastructure at the community level; -Skills training (not less than 7% of the total grant).

Infrastructure projects may be in the following areas: water and sanitation, education,health, physical welfare of vulnerable persons, community markets, access andmaintenance of facilities.

The Project also supports the strengthening of local institutions.

BNTF (cont’d)BNTF (cont’d)Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure

ProjectManager

CommunityLiaison Officer

Secretary Administrative/Accounts Officer

OfficeAssistant

OfficeCleaner

PRF (cont’d)PRF (cont’d)Organizational ChartOrganizational Chart

ExecutiveDirector

CommunityOfficer

Social AssistanceCoordinator

AdministrativeOfficer

SeniorAccounts

Clerk

AccountsClerk

Receptionist/Administrative

Assistant

Office Assistant/Driver

OfficeCleaner

The Poverty Reduction FundThe Poverty Reduction FundThe Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) was established by the Parliament of Saint Lucia though the Poverty Reduction Act No. 7 of 1998 and it became operational in July of that year. Its mission is to reduce poverty, build social capital, improve socio-economic conditions and increase access to and quality of basic economic infrastructure and services across Saint Lucia, in a sustainable manner, including environmental considerations.

Its design has followed the model of the social investment funds that have been established in Latin America and other parts of the developing world in recent years.

Its primary purpose is to build local institutional capacity and to improve social and economic infrastructure

Funded by the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL), World Bank and the European Funded by the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL), World Bank and the European Union. Union.

It has recently completed its first programme cycle with an impact Study Report that It has recently completed its first programme cycle with an impact Study Report that endorses its contribution to the delivery of community priorities.endorses its contribution to the delivery of community priorities.

PRF (Cont’d)PRF (Cont’d)

Its main domains of activity include: Ø Provision of technical assistance and funding for social and

economic projects. Ø Provision of models and experiences for later integration into national policy and programmes. Ø Mobilisation and participation by beneficiary communities. Ø Strengthening of community-based and non-governmental

organisations.

These activities are grouped into two main sets of activities: Ø Community projects, implemented according to the established project cycle. Ø A Social Assistance Programme.

Proposed MergerProposed Merger

In an effort to address fiscal and other constraints, the In an effort to address fiscal and other constraints, the Ministry of Social Transformation initiated the Ministry of Social Transformation initiated the amalgamation of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) amalgamation of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF). and the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF).

The main objective of the initiative is to develop an The main objective of the initiative is to develop an operational framework for the establishment of one operational framework for the establishment of one agency that will serve as a delivery mechanism for the agency that will serve as a delivery mechanism for the provision of infrastructure and services to poor and provision of infrastructure and services to poor and marginalized communities and groups in an efficient, marginalized communities and groups in an efficient, responsive and accountable manner. responsive and accountable manner.

Registry SystemRegistry System

The National Insurance Corporation maintains a The National Insurance Corporation maintains a registry of persons within the labour market - ie registry of persons within the labour market - ie NIC ContributorsNIC ContributorsThe Civil Status Section of the Ministry of Justice The Civil Status Section of the Ministry of Justice is the central repository of births, deaths and is the central repository of births, deaths and marriage recordsmarriage recordsData from the above institutions have not been Data from the above institutions have not been used to inform Social Protection Policyused to inform Social Protection PolicyThe Division of Human Services keeps a limited The Division of Human Services keeps a limited database of welfare recipientsdatabase of welfare recipients

Recommendations for Improvement of Social Recommendations for Improvement of Social Protection in St. LuciaProtection in St. Lucia

(as proposed by Dr. Henry-Lee in (as proposed by Dr. Henry-Lee in Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Caribbean: Examining Policy and Practice, St. Lucia Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Caribbean: Examining Policy and Practice, St. Lucia Country Review)Country Review)

1. Promote “risk management” at the regional level through CARICOM and the soonto be established CSME.

2. Develop a social protection strategy within an Integrated Development Plan witha vision of where St. Lucia should be in 20 years time and what the basic skills ofevery St. Lucian should be.

3. Establish a Council to coordinate the social protection programmes with theMinister of Social Transformation as Chairperson.

4. Institutionalize the 20/20 vision (developed by UNICEF/UNDP), which advocatesthat 20 percent of public expenditure and donor funds should be allocated to thebasic social services – primary health, nutrition, family planning and ruralsanitation.

Recommendations for Improvement of Recommendations for Improvement of Social Protection in St. Lucia (cont’d)Social Protection in St. Lucia (cont’d)

5. Encourage development partners to invest in institutional capacity building to ensure effective delivery of social protection instruments.

6. Invest in “good quality education” so that the “jobs with decent wages” can be obtained.

7. Encourage the establishment of an umbrella organization to coordinate and promote social protection activities by non-governmental organizations.

Recommendations for Improvement of Recommendations for Improvement of Social Protection in St. Lucia (cont’d)Social Protection in St. Lucia (cont’d)

There is also the need for:There is also the need for:

Effective Targeting Effective Targeting (the most vulnerable should get the (the most vulnerable should get the

benefits)benefits)

Constant Monitoring and EvaluationConstant Monitoring and Evaluation

Means TestingMeans Testing

Community ParticipationCommunity Participation

Adequate Information System/databaseAdequate Information System/database

Thank YouThank You

social protection in the caribbean the st. lucian experience

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