The review process plays a vital role in safeguarding the welfare of households across the island by keeping beneficiary records accurate and up to date. Failure to participate in the review could result in the suspension of funds and the invalidation of client cards, directly impacting the livelihood of vulnerable families.

Deputy Director for the Welfare Department, Jahn Mc. Farlane, highlighted the importance of the activity in protecting households that rely on government assistance. “A lot can happen within six months, and we need to update our records frequently. Information we want to capture includes change of name or marital status, change of address, telephone numbers, current household composition, whether there are any deaths, booths or migration, whether the head of household has changed or the household wishes to insert a proxy to act on their behalf. And of course, we want to ensure that the program is meeting its objectives by providing support to poor and vulnerable households, improving household conditions and ultimately poverty reduction,” noted Mc. Farlane.

She further emphasized the shared responsibility between the Ministry and PAP beneficiaries. “The Ministry of Equity remains committed to supporting you. Equally, the Ministry wants you to acknowledge your responsibility towards ensuring that you continue to receive the support that you need,” she added.

Household representatives are required to visit their nearest welfare office during the review period and provide updated documents, including national ID cards, birth certificates, report cards, and medical or bank records where necessary. Client cards will then be renewed for six or twelve months depending on the programme.

The Ministry reiterates its commitment to serving the people of Saint Lucia and thanks beneficiaries for their cooperation in making the review process successful.