IMF Calls for Better Targeted Social Assistance in Antigua
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Antigua and Barbuda to improve the efficiency and targeting of its social assistance programs to better support vulnerable households. In its latest Article IV consultation, the IMF highlighted that the country’s social protection framework is fragmented across multiple ministries and sectors, leading to inefficiencies and potential overlaps in aid distribution.
While social assistance programs play a critical role in providing support to those in need, the IMF found that a lack of coordination among agencies has resulted in duplicated efforts and gaps in coverage. The report emphasized the need for a more streamlined approach, recommending the development of a centralized information system or unified database to maintain accurate records of beneficiaries and track the support they receive.
By implementing a centralized system, authorities could reduce inefficiencies, identify gaps in service delivery, and ensure that resources are directed to those most in need. The IMF also noted that such an approach would enhance transparency and accountability in the allocation of social aid.
In addition to improving data management, the IMF suggested that Antigua and Barbuda tailor its social assistance programs to better reach the most vulnerable populations. This includes refining eligibility criteria, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and ensuring that benefits are distributed equitably.
The report further recommended that the government explore ways to enhance funding for social programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Strengthening public financial management and ensuring that social spending is prioritized effectively were cited as key steps toward building a more resilient safety net.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues its post-pandemic recovery, the IMF underscored the importance of ensuring that social protection mechanisms are both effective and financially sustainable. By adopting a more targeted and coordinated approach, the country could enhance social inclusion, reduce poverty, and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.
With ongoing economic challenges and climate-related vulnerabilities affecting small island states, the IMF’s recommendations highlight the need for long-term strategies that balance social welfare with economic stability. The success of these reforms, the report suggests, will depend on strong policy implementation and continued efforts to modernize the country’s social protection infrastructure.
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I see the campaign for Gaston by Antigua news room trying to mitigate the negative image and backlash impending now. So throw in poor people begging but in normal times it would pictures of white rich land buyers in Barbuda PLH.
Absolutely correct! Because over the last few years, we’ve heard some horrific stories about our own pensioners not receiving their regular government payments.
I was in a bank witnessing a pensioner pleading for her pension payment that hadn’t come through when it was meant to.
Surely a country is judged by how it treats their elderly and children.
In this case, Antigua under Browne’s guidance has failed miserably. The IMF are rightly concerned about ABLP’S Social assistance.
Honestly, this is long overdue… Get serious please… Too many people ar falling through the cracks
Haven’t we already kicked these International Mothers to the curb. For the last ten years we have managed without your dirty money. Go find some other brain-dead administration to lure into your pit!
All we need at this time,is for community,and community together, and from friendly community Youth clubs,by doing so,we can organize alot of social competitive events, in all different areas such as: music, poetry, dance, debates,art and craft, sports,and so on…
If you need my assistance in forming these clubs,i am willing to share my ideas, and experience with anyone…
Please contact Mr.Langley at: 1 (268)723-4942, for more details…
If they know what the issue why not work to fix it rather than jus speaking on it.
Of course there is no social assistance available. Our world boss has to take care of the lands him and his wife are accumulating, his farms, he also has to travel regularly and complete building his latest mansion.
Pensioners, the community, the school system, legal system can wait! Gassy have to benefit from doing all this heavy lifting of his top lip to address petty arguments on social media.
Something is always lacking in the country..,. SMH
So OM are you now admitting that the vouchers are being exploited?
Are you satisfied that well enough people are living on vouchers while the indigent are rummaging through the garbage?
How do you plan to fix the systen? Is it just in words to send the fools a little further?
If you are now realizing that although while in opposition you claimed that we had lost a generation to crime and drugs are you admitting that you have been a failure?
Why did it have ti take tiu so long to realise where you are failing dismally?
Don’t you think it is time to step aside and let Richard Lewis rescue antigua?
IF IMF can see what is wrong and what is lacking to do better why can’t the people in Charge do the same… and give us what we deserve. Too much people are suffering… Come on now