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Poverty: Is it a State of Mind? A State Being? Or is it just a State?
A Study of My Poverty Part iii
POVERTY AS A STATE
In Jamaica, unnecessary, preventable, and deliberate poverty is everywhere I look.
After Hurricane Ivan in September of 2004, we contribute to the poverty of the entire island through looting. Because of looting, many small businesses that were struggling before can’t reopen. Leaving many people jobless and children hungry. There are many communities here in Jamaica where businesses just can’t survive because of robbers and extortionists, thus imprinting a major dent in employment. When one thinks of doing business, ‘location, location, location’ is always the most important factor to consider.
These businesses would create jobs for people in the community, yet because of people in the community, they have to close their doors. That’s another area when the state of poverty begins as these communities present a sign of hopelessness, forcing persons to seek employment elsewhere.
USAID built a community center at the corner of Laws Street and Rosemary Lane to benefit children whose parents can’t afford extra CXC classes. Free CXC and GSAT classes are available to all children and adults in the surrounding areas. Warring factions within the community prevent many children and…
