The most reliable method to estimate the level of poverty in Guyana is a comprehensive household income and expenditure survey

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Elton Bollers letter on page 8 in your Sunday Edition with the captioned heading “IDB estimates likely provide a more accurate view of the significant poverty here”.

Mr. Bollers argued that that the IDB estimate utilizing recent labour force survey provides a more accurate view of the current level poverty. He cited a recent IDB (2024) publication entitled ‘Ten Findings About Poverty in Latin America and Caribbean’ to buttress his arguments. However, a perusal of the document indicates the data was published in 2021 and rolled over in the two succeeding years. The data issued by both the World Bank and IDB had created controversies in the past.

Therefore, the most reliable method to estimate the level of poverty in Guyana is a comprehensive Household Income and Expenditure Survey that will gather current data on income, expenditure, and living conditions. This is the most accurate means to present measurable and verifiable information on income and poverty especially with the major structural changes to the current economy since oil production.

Sincerely,

Rajendra

Rampersaud

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