Durrant Pate/Contributor

Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jnr has announced that eligible elderly beneficiaries from the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) will be transitioned to the Social Pension Programme. 

This move will see a doubling of pension benefits to this category of Jamaicans.

In his Tuesday (May 13) contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Minister Charles said this is being done to strengthen support to the most vulnerable seniors.

In 2021, the Government implemented the Social Pension Programme to enhance support to Jamaicans over 75 years old, who have no pension, are not on PATH, and lack steady incomes. 

This programme aims to ensure that these seniors can age with dignity, security and independence and was rolled out as part of the Andrew Holness administration’s broader commitment to building a just society that cares for every generation. 

Greater legislative protection for the elderly

Charles disclosed that a National Working Committee has been actively developing standards to establish the foundation for the care and protection of our elderly. To this end, the ministry intends to issue drafting instructions for the elder care legislation to be developed by the end of the financial year. 

This year, the ministry will be conducting an organisational review for the institutional strengthening of the National Council for Senior Citizens to equip it with the additional resources needed to provide critical services to our senior citizens. This will be prioritised in the new financial year. 

The minister is seeking to empower seniors, 60 and over, through expanded learning opportunities from the National Council for Senior Citizens. The council, in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, has been training some 43 senior citizens in digital literacy, including online banking, cyber safety, and service app usage.

They have earned certifications from City & Guilds. In addition, through support from the Universal Service Fund (USF), all graduates will receive either a laptop or tablet to further their digital literacy skills. 

Minister Charles advised the parliament that his ministry had commenced the delivery last Friday, with eight seniors receiving laptops. 

The training of an additional 30 senior citizens will commence this week.