Government launches Solidarity Programme, Holness pledges support to vulnerble population
Toriann Ellis / Our Today
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The Government of Jamaica, on Wednesday, officially launched the $1 billion Solidarity Programme, which is aimed at providing financial aid to vulnerable members of the population.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that the government recognises that some vulnerable individuals may lack formal identification, which can hinder their access to social support programmes. He has therefore pledged to assist in ensuring they are able to access this benefit.
“The government will assist them in obtaining birth certificates through the Operation Birthright Programme and securing a National Identification Card (NIDS) to facilitate their inclusion in future opportunities.
“We are repurposing the online portal that was used for the CARE programme during the pandemic, and applications will be made through this portal. Referrals will be managed through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,” he added.
This initiative will offer one-off cash grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 to individuals who are not enrolled in the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), Social Pension, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), or the Reverse Income Tax Credit.
The programme will also support elderly persons in need, youth not engaged in education or employment, microbusinesses affected by disaster, low-income informal workers, medically indigent individuals, and those with disabilities facing economic hardship.
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