Charles Jr unveils vision for PATH transformation at 3rd town hall

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has been hosting a series of town halls across several key parishes to gather feedback from the public on potential improvements to the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

On Wednesday, the minister organised a town hall consultation at the HEART College of Construction Services in Portmore, St Catherine, in keeping with his commitment to hold town halls and smaller engagement sessions.

These public consultations underscore the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s effort to foster ongoing dialogue regarding PATH’s transformation. This aims to ensure that all aspects of the programme are thoroughly addressed, ultimately leading to a comprehensive overhaul.

The minister emphasised the importance of regularly evaluating social-development programmes to assess the need for reform.

“Our objective is to fortify PATH, making it robust and effective in assisting our vulnerable families. We are committed to transparency, welcoming constructive feedback and maintaining partnerships with agencies to ensure those eligible for PATH benefits are properly identified.”

The ministry is aiming to enhance the programme, making it more responsive, progressive, and effective to better address society’s needs.

“Improving the timeliness of services provided through PATH is crucial for better serving beneficiaries. This will foster productivity and ensure a smoother delivery process across the island,” added Charles Jr.

In 2021, a tracer study was conducted, helping the ministry determine that PATH beneficiaries have experienced improved economic stability compared to their household of origin. This finding affirms that beneficiaries are more inclined towards economic success and independence.

In commenting on this significant achievement of the programme, Charles Jr further shared that “PATH has been instrumental in providing substantial support and assistance to elevate beneficiaries, empowering them to cultivate independence. Our unwavering focus remains on the continuous enhancement of the programme so that individuals benefiting from PATH can strive towards self-reliance and work towards a sustainable future”.