Despite impressive economic growth over the past decade, the DR remains a "notably poor" country, according to a report released yesterday by the United Nations Development Organization (PNUD). The document, titled "Overcoming Human Poverty," cites a figure of 22% for Dominicans living in poverty and 7% for those in "extreme poverty." The report likens the DR to Brazil where social expenditures don’t always get to those for whom they are intended. Public funds, it alleges, have been used to build residences for "persons of influence in political life." Political reform is, therefore, an essential prerequisite to the elimination of poverty. The document, which evaluates 23 international anti-poverty programs also faults the generous pensions "especially concentrated in the legislative and judicial branches." The document recognizes that there has been a significant diminution in unemployment and increment in salaries, but urges a reallocation to 14% from the current 6% to 7% of the nation’s GNP to social welfare.
