Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has raised concerns about child poverty in Antigua and Barbuda, pointing to figures indicating that approximately one in four children lived below the poverty line in 2021.
Parker reportedly discussed the figures during an appearance on Observer Radio’s Observer AM programme. She said the information was included in a report submitted to the United Nations, which placed overall poverty in the country at approximately 20 per cent.
The senator expressed concern that the situation may have worsened since the figures were recorded, highlighting the financial pressures faced by families and the challenges of ensuring that children have access to essential necessities.
Child poverty can affect several aspects of a young person’s life, including access to nutritious food, stable housing, education and healthcare. Families experiencing financial hardship may also face difficulties meeting the costs associated with school and other everyday needs.
However, the figures cited relate to 2021 and do not establish the current rate of child poverty. Updated statistics would be needed to determine how the situation has changed.
The discussion has renewed attention on the importance of social protection programmes, reliable poverty data and measures designed to assist vulnerable households.
