PATH Reviews Beneficiary Identification System

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has reviewed the beneficiary identification system for the Programme for Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) and will be rolling out the new questionnaire in September 2012.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, made the disclosure on July 25, during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

He noted that there are many “myths” surrounding the programme’s beneficiary identification system and the variables used to determine the households that are selected for benefits. “These need not detain us as we have consistently debunked those falsehoods where it has been necessary to do so,” Mr. Kellier said.

He also informed that the Ministry has carried out a review of the grant programme, which provides $15,000 to PATH households to assist students in furthering their education after secondary school.

“Following on the review, we propose to introduce, very shortly, a tiered mechanism designed to support students, who are pursuing tertiary level programmes that tend to be expensive,” Mr. Kellier said.

Therefore, as of September 1, 2012, the following tiered benefits will be paid: Caribbean Education Council (CXC) re-sits $15,000; certificate $20,000; skills training $20,000; Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) $25,000; Diploma $30,000; Associate Degree $30,000 and Degree programme $50,000.

A total of $70 million has been provided to support the increase in the benefit paid.

Approximately 8,000 students have benefitted from the grants since the commencement of the programme, with some 30 per cent being students pursuing tertiary level education.