Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke says Jamaica’s social safety net system is in need of reform, to broaden it’s reach.

He was being questioned about the effectiveness of social security systems in reaching vulnerable citizens, while at a Caribbean Policy Research Institute, (Capri), forum on Tuesday.

According to Capri, a survey revealed that three quarters of the poorest in the society did not receive any assistance from government, during the Covid pandemic.

Dr Clarke said the reform is necessary, as only a fraction of the population is supported by the two major social security support systems – the National Insurance Scheme and the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education, PATH.

In acknowledging the need for improvement, Dr Clarke said the finance ministry is collaborating with the ministry of Labour and Social Security, to address the concerns.