Fighting poverty is complicated

Where I take issue with the piece is in the idea that poverty is ignored because it’s not as ‘sexy’ as the environment, equality and LGBTQ+ rights. This stance completely disregards the fact that, although they are not the only areas needing serious attention, fighting against climate change and for equality is directly related to fighting poverty.

It’s rather simple; if you are discriminated against in the job market and/or the workplace you are more likely to live in poverty.

If your livelihood or health is threatened by pollution you are more likely to live in poverty.

The issue of poverty will remain as long as we allow discrimination in our institutions, public spaces and law. It will only get worse, much worse, if we further degrade our environment. These causes are not in competition or opposition. I should also point out that many people involved in groups fighting for equality and clean air are also involved in many other causes, fighting many other battles.

The problem isn’t that fighting poverty isn’t ‘sexy’. The problem is that fighting poverty is difficult and complicated. If we want to look beyond the sticking plaster of donations, it involves systemic and societal changes that many in the political, business and media class are simply not interested in. Such changes often conflict with existing personal/corporate financial interests and are not easily digestible into clickbait headlines . . . but regardless of that, thanks again for highlighting the importance of some of the people who do more than most of us to make Guernsey a community.

WYNTER TYSON