A revelation by Dione Jennings, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, that about 77 per cent, or $$770 million, of the $1 billion set aside for the Government’s Solidarity Programme has been “returned for debt reduction” triggered grave concern among some members of a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

The Solidarity Programme, which was announced in June 2025 targeted at vulnerable segments of the population, was intended to provide a one-time grant of $20,000 to 50,000 individuals as part of the country’s social protection efforts.

Under the programme, grants are provided to applicants who meet the criteria, such as the elderly, the disabled and vulnerable persons who are not in school or employed and are not benefiting from other social programmes.