Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr outlined that the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) seeks to promote human capital development of the poor and to reduce intergenerational poverty, while also outlining that over 3,000 additional families will be receiving support in this financial year.

Charles Jr stated that the true strength of a nation is not always seen in the grand achievements or public accolades, but is seen and found in the acts of care for its most vulnerable or those who are sometimes not seen or heard. “Before we at the Ministry speak of policies and initiatives, we speak first of the people [because] behind every policy is a human story. Behind every number is a life, someone’s mother, father, child or neighbour, and these are the lives that guide our work at the ministry and remind us why this mission matters,” he said.

Charles Jr outlined that the Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, recognised the need to protect the most vulnerable and gave clear instructions to transform PATH to ensure that it reaches those who need it the most.

As a result, the minister and the team from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), along with the state minister Norman Dunn, hosted several PATH Town Hall Meetings across Jamaica in Clarendon, Portmore, St Ann and Montego Bay to hear from residents and stakeholders ways the programme could be improved.

“We heard, and we listened. We have taken their input and concerns seriously and have established the Technical PATH Review Committee, composed of local experts working in tandem with international partners to guide the development of a more inclusive and relevant approach to the identification of beneficiaries. Additionally, through a partnership with the World Bank, we are now completing a comprehensive assessment of PATH,” he added.

The minister further outlined that this included an analysis of the processes and targeting methodology and a thorough assessment of the automated system used for beneficiary selection. “Many, many Jamaicans have expressed their concern and sometimes frustration with this system that is utilised for beneficiary selection. This assessment is ongoing, and we expect to improve the effectiveness of the programme, including the accuracy in selecting families in need.

“While we await the final report, we are not standing still. In fact, we are moving with urgency. We are taking decisive action to correct the issues with our Beneficiary Management Information System [BMIS], through which PATH is administered,” Charles Jr continued.

As a result of the ongoing work, hundreds and thousands of families whose benefits were interrupted will resume receiving their benefits within the next three payment cycles. “We are currently also advancing this process and determining the most feasible route to remove the existing digital barrier. Importantly, technology for us must enable, not impede, service delivery. The ministry has implemented an accelerated strategy to transition PATH applications from provisionally approved status within the last 12 months to registered status. What that means is that thousands of households that have been waiting will now be transitioned with urgency,” he added.

Charles Jr revealed that of that number, more than 600 families have been identified and transitioned to start receiving PATH benefits by June of this year.

He also highlighted that education is a lynchpin that is the most vital and fundamental mainstay in alleviating poverty. Therefore, this financial year, 2025/26, will see a significant increase in the value of tertiary bursaries and post-secondary grants offered to students in PATH households.

“We have increased the funding for PATH social assistance for tertiary, bursaries, post-secondary grants, and steps to work by 54.19%. This is a significant budgetary increase from last year’s $479 million to $740 million for the financial year,” he said.