One of the more complete and broad-based study, done for Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), shows that between 1993 and 1999 poverty levels have fallen.

In addition to showing poverty reduction among all ethnic groups, the study also showed a reduction in poverty levels in urban and coastal areas, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated.

The survey done for the PRSP in 1999 shows that in 1993, 40 percent of the population was living in absolute poverty with 25 percent living in extreme poverty.

In 1999 the figures had dropped to 35 percent for persons living in absolute poverty and just over 10 percent in extreme poverty.

A recent report entitled the Well- being of Nations and sponsored by the Swiss based World Conservation Union and Canadian International Development Research Centre, lists Guyana among six developing countries in the top twenty of countries balancing economic growth with protection of the environment.

The survey examined 180 countries.

The Well-being of Nations Report used multiple indicators to assess living standards.

These include not only wealth, and services such as infrastructure and education, but also measure of good government, freedom, peace and order.

The positive reports on Guyana come at a time when the United Nations is bemoaning the lack of progress in eradicating poverty.