I wish to thank Tashiba Julius and the St Mary Ambassadors for Change for their letter to the editor, published in The Gleaner on Wednesday, May 7, highlighting concerns regarding the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). The issues raised are valid and reflect concerns that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is actively addressing.
We acknowledge that the framework that has guided PATH eligibility for over two decades while rooted in international best practices, requires reform to better reflect the evolving economic and social realities of Jamaican households. The ministry recognises that its heavy reliance on the ownership of physical household assets, and consumer durables can sometimes present an incomplete picture of financial vulnerability.
ONGOING REVIEW PROCESS
Accordingly, one of the priorities is to advance a comprehensive review and reform to modernise and improve the programme. A full assessment of the PATH targeting mechanism is currently under way, guided by evidence-based research and broad stakeholder consultation. This includes a technical examination of the existing Proxy-Means Testing (PMT) model, which, as rightly noted, can unintentionally exclude families in need because of their access to certain household items.
The review also includes an exploration of alternative or supplementary models of assessment, such as community-based targeting and case-by-case evaluations ,that take into account real-world challenges such as loan obligations, the cost of transportation (especially in rural areas), healthcare expenses, and the number of dependents in a family.
REFORMS UNDER WAY
Already, several reforms are in motion. These include:
• A PATH Technical Reform Committee has been established, comprising local and international experts to guide the development of a more inclusive and relevant approach to beneficiary identification.
• Hosting PATH town hall meetings across the island, engaging directly with beneficiaries, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear their voices and gather tangible recommendations to strengthen the programme to better serve the people.
• Appeals process review to enhance fairness, transparency, and speed in addressing cases where unsuccessful applicants believe they have been unfairly assessed.
PATH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The concerns raised about support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are deeply important. PATH does provide benefits to persons with disabilities of all ages who meet the overall eligibility profile. To further strengthen the outreach and sensitivity to these issues, the ministry recently launched the “I Am Able” campaign — an initiative focused on inclusion, access, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Through partnerships with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) and targeted outreach under this campaign, we are working to ensure that more persons with disabilities are not only aware of their entitlements under PATH, but are also provided with access to additional services, including assistive devices, transportation support, and employment opportunities.
ROLE OF PATH
Let me be clear: PATH is not intended to address all social protection issues. It is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme specifically aimed at supporting the most vulnerable families with children, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who meet the qualifying socio-economic threshold.
It is important to note that interventions provided to PATH beneficiary households extend significantly beyond addressing their immediate needs and focus on the promotion of economic self-sufficiency by addressing barriers to employment, including lack of skills, low education levels, and lack of access to financial resources. PATH, therefore, supports the attainment of post-secondary qualifications through post-secondary grants and tertiary bursaries.
In addition, the Steps to Work Programme provides a comprehensive package of benefits for working-age members of PATH households who do not qualify or no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the receipt of PATH’s bi-monthly cash grants. These include access to entrepreneurship training and grants, skills training, and certification through HEART, job-readiness training, placement referrals, and paid on-the-job training opportunities for qualified secondary and tertiary graduates. All training interventions are supported by the provision of training stipends to ensure consistent beneficiary participation.
For persons who do not qualify under PATH’s specific criteria but are also in need, the ministry provides a suite of other social-protection programmes that may be more appropriate, based on individual circumstances. These include:
• Education grants and employment services under social intervention programme.
• Rehabilitation programme, which provides grants to assist individuals or families experiencing temporary hardship or who are affected by disaster.
• Social pension programme for elderly Jamaicans who are not in receipt of a contributory pension.
WAY FORWARD
The strength of a social-protection programme lies in its ability to listen, learn, and adapt. We, therefore, welcome the continued public discourse. PATH must not only remain a safety net, but must evolve into a more agile and respectful system for human-capital development of vulnerable families. I have, therefore, tasked the PATH Reform Committee with delivering recommendations by the end of this year.
As we continue the reform of PATH, our focus is on fairness, dignity, and flexibility. I am particularly concerned with ensuring that PATH better serves the working poor – those who contribute meaningfully to the country yet struggle daily to provide for their families. This includes household workers, security personnel, vendors, and caregivers of the elderly and children with special needs.
We are building a system that not only identifies the vulnerable more accurately, but one that it is more responsive, compassionate, and inclusive.
We commend Ms Julius and the St Mary Ambassadors for Change for their advocacy on behalf of Jamaica’s vulnerable families. Dialogue like this strengthens our democracy and helps government to serve the people more effectively.
Pearnel Charles Jr is minister of labour and social security and member of parliament for South East Clarendon. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.