Guatemala has been plagued by poverty since most of its residents can remember. The most recent data from World Bank states that in 2000, 56% of Guatemalans live under the poverty line. Within the last few weeks, a new president, Alvaro Colom, has taken office and has promised Guatemala that he will begin to end poverty and inequality in the country. Colom has also pledged that his government will fight violence in the country, as Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates, per capita. The new president plans on improving security within the country, so that crime is not so rampant. A new 100 day plan is to be implemented to improve the violent conditions. Also, Colom promises to improve on the economy and the country's GDP, so that more money can be put towards poverty and the violence problem. He was quoted as having said, "I'm convinced that by giving to those who have the least, we will all have more."
What a great opportunity for the country and people of Guatemala; to be led by someone who seems to be truly interested in their welfare. Colom seems sincere in his promises, and if he follows through on all of them, then the country's poverty problem will hopefully get better.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aZ5wvNRCe3Ls&refer=latin_america (Google News)
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