Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., is emphasising the importance of regularly evaluating social development initiatives, such as the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), to assess the need for reform.

Charles Jr., on his third stop in the PATH town hall series in Portmore, St Catherine on Wednesday (March 27), said that the ministry aims to enhance the programme, making it more responsive, progressive, and effective to better address society’s needs.

The town hall consultation series, held at the HEART College of Construction Services, aims to ensure that all aspects of the programme are thoroughly addressed, ultimately leading to a comprehensive overhaul.

“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,” said the minister.

“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 toward economic success and independence.

In commenting on this significant achievement of the programme, Minister Charles Jr. further shared, “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 benefitting from PATH can strive towards self-reliance and work towards a sustainable future.”