Labour ministry working on PATH alumni programme

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has proposed the creation of a PATH trailblazer alumni, drawing parallels to the prestigious Rhodes Scholar programme.

Speaking at the PATH Top Achievers Award Ceremony held at the Spanish Court Hotel on Thursday, Charles expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

"I've already spoken to my team because I think it's an awesome idea to have a PATH trailblazer alumni. I think it's a great idea that they [PATH beneficiaries] can see actual role models, actual individuals that represent the circumstance they are in now and that reflect where they can be."

Acknowledging the success of the PATH for many Jamaicans, Charles affirmed the government's commitment to its support and enhancement. He highlighted a 28.8 per cent increase in allocation to the programme and emphasised ongoing efforts to review and overhaul it, aiming to bolster its effectiveness and sustainability.

"We want every single PATH beneficiary to have not just a leg up; that's short term. We want all of them to be top achievers. And we believe we can get there," he said.

A total of 29 awards were conferred across seven regions, with recipients honoured at the primary, secondary and career levels. These awards were bestowed based on the outstanding performance of recipients in their 2023 Primary Exit Profile and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the PATH Trailblazer Awards, bestowed upon an exceptional former beneficiary who has demonstrated excellence in academic or career pursuits. Jordan Luther Freeman emerged as the overall winner.

The top male secondary recipient was Kashief Barton from Campion College, Region 1, who secured nine grade ones at CSEC. Reflecting on his achievement and the honour of receiving the Trailblazer award, Barton remarked,

"I'm very honoured to have received this award and I pray that I will continue to do well so that I can make my family and PATH proud," he said, as he encouraged others facing similar circumstances to persevere and strive for greatness.

Dervette Mignott, of St Hilda's Diocesan High School, the top female Trailblazer awardee, expressed gratitude for the invaluable support provided by PATH.

"PATH helped me with the monthly lunch programme, cheques for additional assistance, and they also paid for my CSEC subjects, so I am really grateful," she shared.

With more than 350,000 beneficiaries, some eligible individuals still struggle to access the programme. Charles outlined efforts to address this issue through a comprehensive review process, involving structured engagement with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and community members. He emphasised the importance of clarifying eligibility criteria and guiding potential applicants toward suitable alternative programmes if PATH is not the appropriate fit.

Regarding the dissemination of information about the programme's criteria, Charles mentioned outreach efforts through parish offices, ongoing reviews, and media engagement. He stressed the importance of ensuring clarity and simplicity in understanding the requirements for accessing, maintaining, and exiting PATH, noting its role as a temporary support mechanism rather than a long-term solution.

He stated, "The goal is not for people to consistently stay on PATH. The goal is for you to get on, get the support and then come off so that somebody else can come on."