Portmore residents allege unfairness in PATH assistance requirements

Residents in Portmore are expressing concerns that the criteria for the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) unfairly exclude them from receiving necessary assistance. They believe that the programme is only accessible to those living in extremely poor conditions, such as lacking basic appliances or living in cramped, non-concrete structures. Despite the relatively higher standard of living in Portmore, many individuals still require support, especially for child care.

During a PATH town hall consultation at the HEART College of Construction Services Auditorium in Portmore, community members highlighted their belief that the selection process for the programme is biased against them. Tanisha Brown, a resident of Waterford, shared her experience of being denied assistance by PATH due to possessing household appliances and living outside an inner-city area. She criticized the unfairness of the system, noting that some people use addresses from poorer areas to qualify for assistance, even though they live in Portmore.

Beverley Thomas, a senior citizen, shared her story of struggling after losing her business to crime and being unable to secure PATH assistance because she owned a house she had worked hard to obtain over 46 years. Welfare Minister Pearnel Charles Junior acknowledged the need for a review of the programme, stating that the town hall meetings are part of an effort to gather feedback for improving PATH and ensuring that assistance is provided to those who truly need it in Portmore.

Residents are concerned that the eligibility criteria for PATH are too restrictive and exclude many individuals in Portmore who are in need of support. Despite the town’s relatively higher standard of living, there is still a significant number of people who require assistance, particularly for child care. Community members expressed their frustration with the perception that the programme is only for those living in extreme poverty, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to eligibility.

The town hall consultation in Portmore allowed residents to voice their opinions on the bias they believe exists in the selection process for PATH. Tanisha Brown and Beverley Thomas shared their personal experiences of being denied assistance due to factors such as owning household appliances or a house, despite facing financial difficulties. Welfare Minister Pearnel Charles Junior recognized the need for improvements to the programme to ensure that assistance is provided fairly and effectively to those in need in Portmore.

Overall, the residents of Portmore are calling for a review of the PATH programme eligibility criteria to ensure that it is more inclusive and considers the varying levels of need within the community. They seek a fair and transparent process that provides assistance to individuals based on their actual circumstances, rather than arbitrary criteria that may overlook those genuinely in need of support. The town hall consultations are seen as a positive step towards gathering feedback and making necessary improvements to PATH to better serve the residents of Portmore.