PATH from poverty

Philando Neil, Gleaner Intern

THE GOVERNMENT has been given millions in grant funding to provide benefits for 10,000 Jamaicans under the Programme of Advancement Through Health (PATH).

The World Bank-affiliated Japanese Social Development Fund yesterday handed over nearly US$2.5 million or approximately J$172.4 million to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to be used as part of the country's social safety net programme.

Significant help component

Finance Minister Audley Shaw, who accepted the grant on behalf of the country, said the PATH programme is a significant component in helping to improve the lives of the vulnerable in our society.

"We want to ensure that these persons are living above the poverty line so that we can improve the social and educational opportunities for the people of this country," Shaw said.

Dr Badrul Haque, special representative to Jamaica from the World Bank, said he was pleased to support the PATH programme to enhance the lives of the people of Jamaica.

"As of April this year, US$80 billion has been provided to the PATH programme since it was launched in 2001 and we will continue to be a part of this remarkable programme," Haque said.

Implementation has begun

Meanwhile, Pearnel Charles, the minister of labour and social security, said the ministry has already started the implementation of the programme and has employed over 100 field officers who will be visiting the homes of over 17,000 elderly and disabled persons who have already been identified as being in need.

"The ministry will be hosting consultations with other stakeholders to expand our database ensuring that we register as many persons who are in need of the benefit," Charles said.

Yesterday's ceremony followed the handover of cheques valued at $377,000 to 17 persons to start their own business under PATH's Step to Work programme.