By Kimone Witter
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says it is taking steps to strengthen the mechanisms to monitor the applications of prospective beneficiaries of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).
This follows a recommendation by Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis after an audit found a deficiency with the Beneficiary Management Information System which plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for PATH applicants.
The issue is highlighted in the Auditor General's annual report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.
The audit found the deficiency contributed to delays in finalising the registration process for hundreds of PATH applicants awaiting registration for extended periods.
The Auditor General said an analysis of a sample of 75 applicants, who were approved between 2017-18 and 2023-24, revealed that they remained on the approved list for extended periods, ranging from five months to seven years, after their application date.
Further, another 9,639 applicants did not sign their agreements for periods ranging from 12 months to seven years, after being accepted for registration.
The Labour and Social Security Ministry explained to the Auditor General that applicants will remain on the approved and acceptance lists if they do not sign the agreement or submit required documents, such as birth certificates.
But the Auditor General determined that the electronic system did not allow for efficient monitoring for applicants with outstanding information.
Mrs. Monroe Ellis pointed out that an improved system could enable it to flag these outstanding requirements, enhancing the overall tracking and follow-up process by social workers to identify and address the reasons behind the delays in signing agreements or submitting required documents.
In accepting the recommendation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security said the improved monitoring system will have better accountability features which will provide monthly reports to parish management for the investigation and resolution of the outstanding applications.
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