Editorial

Jamaican Government to increase PATH Benefits

The Government will be increasing the benefits paid to approximately 380,000 Jamaicans under the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH).

PATH is the Government’s flagship social intervention initiative, which is aimed at delivering benefits by way of cash grants to the most needy and vulnerable in the society.

Delivering the 2017-18 Throne Speech in Gordon House on February 9, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said the Government is committed to expanding social protection that will empower Jamaicans to achieve their fullest potential.

Turning to the Overseas Employment Programme, he informed that approximately 15,000 Jamaicans were placed in jobs in the United States and Canada for the period April 2016 to February 2017.

This represents an increase of almost 10 per cent over the previous period.

“Continued growth of opportunities under the Overseas Employment Programme will remain a major priority for the Ministry in the new fiscal year,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor-General said the National Policy for Senior Citizens will be revised to ensure that the nation’s seniors are protected and that they continue to contribute to nation building.

“It is estimated that persons over the age of 60 will constitute nearly 16 per cent of the population by 2030,” he indicated.

Sources:

www.jis.gov.jm

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