Government to expand PATH

The government is moving to expand the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) to include a new category of persons.



At present there are 310 thousand persons registered with PATH and the government plans to add another 50 thousand beneficiaries to the programme.



Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles said the ministry’s beneficiary identification system has been modified to make it more responsive to needy persons, especially in urban areas.



As a result an additional five thousand seniors and persons with disabilities who have assets but little income are to be included in the programme.



Meanwhile Mr Charles said he will shortly be making a submission to Cabinet for a proposed increase in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits.



The current benefit stands at $2 thousand per week up from 300 dollars in 1996.



Increases to the NIS were last granted in 2008.