Gov’t to Boost Provisions for Most Vulnerable

The Government is moving to strengthen social protection and security for the most vulnerable in the society, through the development of a “unique combination” of projects.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller made the announcement during her contribution to the 2013/2014 Budget debate in the House of Representatives on April 30 under the theme: ‘Jamaica: Going for Growth and Development, Unleashing our Full Potential.’

She said that objectives will be achieved through better targeting and coordination of existing programmes such as the Rural Economic Development Initiatives (REDI) and the Steps to Work programme.

“Those at greatest risk will be among the first to participate in these re-designed programmes,” she stated.

Mrs. Simpson Miller explained that this strategy will ensure that women, who are often among the most vulnerable and placed at greatest risk by rural and inner-city poverty, will have access to training and appropriate financing to participate as shareholders in cottage industries.

She noted that the Government is “duty bound to exercise the greatest care that every dollar is more wisely spent through better coordination and targeted intervention to protect the most vulnerable members of the Jamaican family.”

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter