The Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment hosted a technical workshop for stakeholders across various sectors in order to develop a proxy means test for the dispensation of social assistance to targeted segments of the population.

The proxy means test, titled St. Lucia's National Eligibility Test (SL-NET), is critical for the progress of the Social Safety Net Reform (SSNR) currently being undertaken by the Ministry. The SL-NET test serves as an objective and scientific method that will determine the eligibility of those requesting social assistance. It will identify the poor from the non-poor and the indigent.

Participants of the SL-NET workshop were asked to critically review the proxy means test based on the analysis and recommendations from World Bank Consultant and Economist, Ms. Yadira Diaz; and the UN Women Case Study on the SL-NET prepared by Ms. Debbie Budlender.

Minister for Social Protection Hon. Harold Dalsan stressed the significance of the endeavor, and government’s commitment to social protection.

“In an economic climate where things are tough, it is incumbent upon any serious government to focus on those persons who will not be able cope. Those of us with an income and access to resources feel the pinch; so imagine how it must be for those who have no income,” he said.

The SL-NET workshop was followed by a Technical Working Session that will chart the way forward for the refinement of the proxy means test based on the analysis and recommendations from the SL-NET Workshop.

UNICEF Social and Economic Policy Specialist, Jawad Aslam, who has been heavily involved in the SSNR process, expressed satisfaction with the progress, and the commended the level of participation by stakeholders.

The SL-NET will enable government to channel its limited funds to those who are most in need, based on objective criteria.