Townhall for PATH reforms begin today
The Minister of Labour and Social Security holds the first in a series of townhall meetings today as it seeks to get the input of members of the public on the planned reformed of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).
The event is slated to take place at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall in Brown’s Town, St Ann, starting at 11 a.m.
Portfolio minister Pearnel Charles Jr said public consultation is an essential part of the planned reform that aims to address issues such as the selection criteria for persons to benefit from the poor-relief programme.
“We encourage all Jamaicans to attend the town hall meetings and consultations in their communities to share valuable insights,” he said, adding that a series of townhall will be held islandwide.
“These engagements aim to actively connect with and gather input and feedback from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including families, parents, healthcare providers, and community leaders, among others,” Charles Jr said.
The reform of PATH is a top priority for the ministry as it works to transform and improve the delivery of social services to Jamaicans.
“The Government is on a mission to uplift the most vulnerable in our society by decreasing the cycle of poverty. Having met with various groups and families living below the poverty line, we realise that there are Jamaicans deserving of these resources who are not a part of the programme. This will be resolved. My ministry is more than committed to overhauling the application process of the programme so Jamaicans can have access to an improved quality of life,” the minister
said.