Country |
Details |
Cuba |
The Cuban government provides free healthcare, social security, and education- follows communist principles. In past years, the Cuban government has also attempted to improve the income gaps, as a quarter of its population is living in poverty. |
Haiti |
Being one of the poorest countries in the world with the average Haitian making less than $300 annually, Haiti is unable to provide much in terms of social services. Disease is rampant, as is malnutrition, but the country does not have the resources to provide solutions. |
Dominican Republic |
The government supports the elderly and disabled, and aids pregnant women. Like Haiti, disease is common, though not as severe, and there are too few resources. Only some have health insurance. |
Jamaica |
Some subsidies are provided for medication for chronic illnesses. The government also funds programs that help women and the youth with job placement and provides insurance. The government also encourages large housing developments. |
Bahamas |
Schooling is mandatory from the ages of 5 to 16 and is free in government funded schools. The Ministry of Health and Social Development provides public health services, nursing, and disease surveillance. Like Jamaica, because the people of the Bahamas are healthier, the government is able to sponsor housing developments. |
Anguilla, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos |
Primary and secondary is free in all five territories and is compulsory. Most provide some form of health care.. |
US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico |
Education is compulsory through the age of 16 and the government provides a program for immunization, clinical services, and home care services. Health care services are more expensive in Puerto Rico than they are in the United States. |
Trinidad and Tobago |
Trinidad and Tobago has created programs to help aid the elderly, the disabled, the poor financially and to aid children whose parents are imprisoned, dead, ill or abandoned them. |