by Ministry of Equity

THE WELFARE UNIT WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY HAS COMMENCED A COMPREHENSIVE RECERTIFICATION EXERCISE…

I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the thousands of Saint Lucians who depend on the Government of Saint Lucia’s Public Assistance Programme (PAP), as well as those who are currently on the waiting list.

The Welfare Unit within the Department of Equity has commenced a comprehensive recertification exercise of the Public Assistance Programme, effective September 15, 2026. This is a very important exercise for our social protection system and for the people who rely on this assistance.

The last comprehensive PAP recertification was conducted in 2023. Since then, circumstances have changed for many households. People have moved, telephone numbers have changed, household composition may have changed, and the economic circumstances of families may have improved or, in some cases, become more difficult. We therefore need current and accurate information to ensure that our limited social protection resources are reaching the households that need them most.

This exercise is not simply about reviewing a list. It is about making sure that the information on which we base decisions is accurate, current and reflective of people’s present circumstances.

The Welfare Officers and designated enumerators are visiting households and collecting updated information. The assessment is being conducted using the Saint Lucia National Eligibility Tool, or SLNET, which uses the information provided to determine eligibility for public assistance.

I want to make it clear that the exercise includes current PAP beneficiaries, as well as persons on the waiting list, including applicants who have already been assessed, but are awaiting placement because of budgetary constraints.

We are also asking persons who have been suspended following the PAP review conducted between March and May this year to participate in this current recertification exercise, in keeping with the guidance issued by the Welfare Unit.

As the exercise moves from community to community, we will be using our communications channels to keep the public informed. We will provide regular reminders about where the recertification teams are working, share information on what households should expect, and use radio, television and social media to answer common questions and address concerns.

We are also encouraging community leaders, churches, civil society organizations and the media to help us get this information to the people who need it.

If you are a PAP beneficiary or you are on the waiting list, please make yourself available when the Welfare Officer or designated enumerator visits your household.

Please provide complete and accurate information about your current household circumstances and cooperate fully with the assessment process. If additional information is required, please provide it.

I also want to emphasize that accuracy matters. The information provided through this exercise will help the Department determine who continues to meet the eligibility requirements, who may require additional social interventions or referrals, and where circumstances may have changed.

For some households, circumstances may have improved to the point where they can transition from public assistance. That is part of having a social protection system that responds to people’s actual needs. For others, a change in circumstances may indicate a continued or different need for support. Our responsibility is to ensure that the system is responsive, fair and properly targeted.

The Government recognises that public assistance is an important lifeline for vulnerable households. We are therefore approaching this exercise with the seriousness it deserves. At the same time, we must ensure accountability and responsible management of the resources entrusted to us.

I am therefore asking for the cooperation of all PAP beneficiaries, persons on the waiting list and the wider public, as this national exercise continues. The Welfare Unit has already begun the community rollout, starting with Canaries and Laborie, and other communities will follow.

We will continue to keep the public informed. Please listen to the announcements, follow the Ministry’s social media platforms, pay attention to community notices, and share the information with family members and others who may benefit from it.

This is ultimately about one thing: ensuring that assistance reaches the people who need it most, based on accurate and current information.

I thank the public for their cooperation and our Welfare Officers and enumerators for the work that they are undertaking across the country.

May God richly bless all of you and our beloved nation, Saint Lucia.