Jamaica: Social Pension Programme benefits 2,000 seniors in first month

The government of Jamaica on Tuesday announced a new Social Pension Programme in the country.

Wednesday, 4th August 2021

Jamaica: Social Pension Programme benefits 2,000 seniors in first month

Kingston, Jamaica: The government of Jamaica on Tuesday announced a new Social Pension Programme in the country. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the new programme would be highly beneficial for the people of the country. Under the new Social Pension Programme, senior citizens aged 75 years and older already received their first monthly payout of $3,400. A total of $800 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that he is proud that the country was able to start the new Social Pension Programme in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have been able to do this because of prudent fiscal management on the part of this government," said PM Holness. Furthermore, he said the new Social Pension Programme enables the country to reduce income inequality and promote a better quality of life for vulnerable persons 75 years and older, recognising that many of these persons often have little or no community support. People who are 75 years and older and the recipients of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), would be transitioned to the Social Pension Programme. Minister of Labour and Social Security Karl Samuda said the first payout was given to over 2,000 senior citizens. He noted that more than 300 volunteers worked together to identify the beneficiaries. Minister Samuda said that the Social Pension Programme would target over 8,000 to 10,000 senior citizens in the upcoming months. People applauded the government's decision of implementing the new Social Pension Programme. A Jamaican named Lorna Underwood wrote, on Facebook, "Great work Mr PM and Team. For so long the citizens have suffered economically, thru no fault of thanks, but because of social ills and inequality. Thanks you for continuing to work towards a better Jamaica. Looking forward to coming."