Minister Charles: PATH does not Cater to Able Bodied Persons

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles, has reiterated that the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) does not cater to able-bodied persons in the economically active age group.
Mr. Charles told Parliament Tuesday (October 12), that there appears to be some misunderstanding about the categories of persons able to enroll. He stated that the programme only targets poor children, poor elderly, poor persons with disabilities and poor pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Persons within the economically active age groups should not be on social welfare, but should be provided with support, such as training, grants or soft loans, to enter the labour market.
He said that the Ministry was providing opportunities, through the Steps to Work Programme, under which persons receive training to improve their employability. He also disclosed that 3,200 persons were trained in the last financial year in the six parishes in which the programme has been piloted.
The Ministry’s Special Youth Employment and Training (SYEAT) programme also offers opportunities for youth, providing access to the job market through strategic partnerships with the private sector.
Mr. Charles said that, since inception, SYEAT has registered over 5,000 persons. It is anticipated that an additional 2,500 will be registered. Of the number registered, more than 50 per cent have completed their HEART Level One certification.
He said $37 million has been allocated in this year’s budget to assist in delivering the required training and placement services for youths.