Saint Lucia’s Welfare Programmes Nearing Capacity

Welfare support may be a saving grace for some, but in Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment has reported that its Public Assistance and Child Disability programmes (PACD) are nearing capacity. Currently, the program serves 3515, but there is a growing waitlist. “…We would love to not have a waitlist and when persons come and we realise that they are eligible and need the support, that we would just be able to provide that support,” Acting Deputy Director of the Welfare Unit within the Ministry, Jahn McFarlane told St. Lucia Times. McFarlane said that when it comes to medical assistance, the Unit also wishes to be able to cover everyone seeking support. The PACD exists to serve individuals facing financial challenges. Through an application process, those accepted into the program can access support based on the needs of their household. Cash support ranges from $215 to a maximum of $465. Medical coverage includes family healthcare, laboratory services, medication, eye care, and burial contributions if the beneficiary dies. To address the mounting demands for welfare services, the Welfare Unit has had to undertake a review process to determine those no longer in need and release them from...