$500 million for Jamaica's Vulnerable

(Photo:RadioJamacia)

Last night, Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced a $500 million assistance package for the poor and those deemed to be otherwise vulnerable. The initiative is a response to the spiralling food and petrol prices, blamed mostly on the rising prices for corn, wheat and fuel in the global market. Resulting in sharp price increases in Jamaica including basic food, gasoline and electricity rates. The Opposition had called on the Golding Administration to take steps to cushion the effects of the increases on those most vulnerable.

Mr. Golding, who was making his contribution to the debate on the First Supplementary Estimates, in the House of Representatives, said the process for distributing the funds hadn't been worked out yet.

He indicated the possibility of funds being channelled through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), or another institutionalized framework.