News Categories: Media Release

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, January 11, 2021

Samuda Condemns Robbery of Trade Centre Building for the Visually Impaired

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda is expressing disappointment and shock at reports of Saturday morning’s robbery of the Creative Craft Plus building on Hanover Street in Kingston.

Minister Samuda is publicly condemning this act of criminality and heartless behavior, “this form of criminal behaviour is not just callous, but a blatant attack on the disabled community who are among the most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Samuda said.

He is therefore calling on persons to come forward and give information to the police so that those responsible can be held accountable for their actions.

The trade centre, which employs and trains persons who are blind and visually impaired, specialises in chair caning as well as wicker furniture making and repair.

In the meantime, Minister Samuda is urging members of society to reach out to persons among us with disabilities show care and support where possible.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, January 15, 2021

Thieves Target Ministry of Labour In Cheque Fraud

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is warning merchants, to be on the lookout for fraudulent cheques purportedly being drawn on its account.

According to Public Relations & Communications Director, Vando Palmer, persons have been going around to various businesses, purchasing items and attempting to pay by cheques, drawn on the Ministry’s account. Mr. Palmer says, these cheques are small amounts of up to JMD $40,000.00 and are fraudulent. Merchants and business owners are therefore being urged not to encash any cheque without proper verification by the Ministry because they will not be able to recover their money.

He said the Ministry’s accounting system is designed to identify any such cheque drawn on its account that is not in keeping with its sequencing number.

For verification, merchants should call 876-922-0507 or 876-922-0257.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, December 7, 2020

Covid 19 Labour Market Task Force Gets off the Ground

The government has responded to calls from employers and employees to address issues affecting the Labour Market in light of the Covid19 pandemic. Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda, has assembled a strong team of experts in a task force to address the issue. Speaking to the group at its first meeting on Monday, Minister Samuda, outlined the scope of work and said he is expects to receive the first Report by the end of February next year.

It will examine the Labour Market implications; legislative and policy, provide legislative and or policy recommendations to the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) chaired by the Minister and provide recommendations to address the immediate impact of Covid19 pandemic.

Meanwhile Chairman of the Covid 19 Labour Market Task Force, Professor Neville Ying, said the Task Force must contextualize its objectives in light of the impact of Covid19 globally and on Jamaica, including critical areas such as business closures and job losses.

He told members of the Task Force that thousands of job positions have been made redundant since the arrival of COVID19 and that Jamaica’s economy is projected to decline by 11% even as the flow of Remittances remain steady.

In outlining the framework for the work to be done by the Task Force, Professor Ying said, the tenets of the International Labour Organization (ILO), must guide its deliberations. It must be Evidence and Rules based and maximize the power and value of Social Dialogue. The ILO tools of Core Labour Standards, Decent Work Agenda and Conventions and Recommendations will also be utilized as important points of reference.

The erstwhile Professor, gave the clearest indication that the approach of the Task Force will be a global one, as it focuses on Job Creation and Employment, synchronized Financing by International Development Institutions for Developing Countries and major strategies for Job Creation and Employment viz-a-viz Infrastructure Development such as urgent attention to our

damaged network of roads, resulting from the recent effects of the outer bands of hurricanes, Digital Infrastructure for internet access in all communities rural and urban across Jamaica.

The Task force will also focus on the importance of the Future Work Place that will be technology driven, with primarily digital and home-based work. This will require urgent changes in the roles of Tripartite members i.e. Employer, Trade Unions and Government. The Future Workplace will also require key competencies for employees and employers and a new concept and practice of life-long learning. The Task Force, which is a sub-set of the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) that is chaired by Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda.

It comprises of:

· Professor Neville Ying (Chairman)

· Granville Valentine (NWU)

· Clifton Grant (UAWU)

· David Wan (JEF)

· Cheryl Price (JEF)

· Wayne Chen (Caribbean Employers Federation)

· Deidra Coy (Planning Institute of Jamaica)

· Donavon Wignall (MSME) and Donna Evelyn (Jamaica Council of Churches)

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Minister Samuda endorses Dr. Floyd Morris’ nomination as candidate to the UNCRPD

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda, has assured Dr Floyd Morris that he fully endorses his nomination as candidate to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) for the 2021-2024 period.

“When you look at your history and resume, as well as the things you have done over the years, you can rest assured that I am fully behind him,” Samuda said.

Minister Samuda was speaking during a courtesy call by Dr Morris, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Kingston on Tuesday.

Minister Samuda further stated that the other candidates will have to come good to beat him based on his list of accomplishments.

Dr Morris has served as State Minister and President of the Senate. He successfully completed his PhD in 2017, and continues to work and advocate on the behalf of the disability community.

Dr. Morris who is visually impaired, said that if elected as a member of the Committee, he will build on the existing foundation of the UNCRPD, to assist Members States in reconditioning their thinking and attitudes towards persons with disabilities, in order to see them as capable of making decisions for their own lives and contributing to national development.

“It is about pushing the disabilities agenda. We recognize that a significant portion of persons with disabilities are excluded from the labour force and this has a negative impact on a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We need to get them integrated into society so that they can get meaningful employment,” Dr Morris explained.

The elections of candidates for the UNCRPD will take place on Monday, November 30, 2020.  The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the body of independent experts which monitors implementation of the Convention by the States Parties.

 Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Karl Samuda (left), Jamaica’s nominee candidate to the United Nation Committee on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Floyd Morris (centre), State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zavia Mayne greet each other during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Tuesday.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Mayne wants Jobseekers to Up-Skill Themselves To Re-Enter Labour Market

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne, says workers and jobseekers should re-skill and up-skill themselves in order to re-enter the Labour Market.

“Workers need to seek out new skills and opportunities in order to add value to businesses, as this is critical for many unemployed and displaced workers to successfully re-enter the competitive Labour Market,” Mayne said.

According to Minister Mayne, despite the rise in unemployment in Jamaica as a result of the COVID-19, the pandemic has increased the demand for other occupations.

“COVID-19, has created a demand for persons in other industries such as Health and Wellness, Information Technology and Cyber Security. We have seen an increase demand for Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists and Chiropractors,” he said.

Minister Mayne also pointed out that remote work has contributed to growth in the Information Technology sector. He explained that there has been a growing demand for Software Developers, Programmers and Software and Hardware Engineers.

He was speaking at the Inter-American Development Bank Regional Policy Dialogue under the theme, Rethink, Reset and Recover Employment with a Gender Perceptive on Tuesday, November 17. According to data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), unemployment rate stood at 12.6 per cent in July 2020. This was 4.8 percentage point higher than the 7.8 per cent recorded for same quarter in 2019.

The Ministry’s Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) Department, has been conducting virtual training of jobseekers to ensure that they are job ready.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Warns Job Seekers About Rogue Employment Agencies

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising the public that unscrupulous companies have been using the internet and electronic means to lure persons into employment scams. Some of these companies make promises of high paying online jobs that in many instances are false.

Job seekers are therefore being encouraged to do their research on these companies to verify their legitimacy before paying over monies.

Persons are also encouraged to visit the Ministry’s website at www.mlss.gov.jm for information on registered Employment Agencies in Jamaica

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

PATH Gets Big Boost From UNICEF

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has received $40m from UNICEF Jamaica to help some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable households cope with the crippling impact of COVID-19.

The funding will cover cash transfer payments via the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH). Approximately 2,700 families with children with disabilities, as well as pregnant and lactating women are to benefit from this donation.

This financial boost is part of a partnership agreement forged between the MLSS and UNICEF, to support socio-economic needs and strengthen shock responsive social protection strategies for households struggling with the economic fallout from COVID-19.

UNICEF and the MLSS on Wednesday, October 28 signed an extension of that agreement, to continue the partnership until the end of 2020. Under the agreement, 1,000 families with disabilities who are registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), PATH and the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP) are to receive Care Packages.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda welcomed the grant and continued partnership with UNICEF Jamaica. “This grant could not have come at a better time. It will be used to provide additional support to some of the most vulnerable Jamaicans who have been facing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Samuda.

On the other hand, Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF Jamaica Country Representative said, the COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating effect on many Jamaican families who were already facing economic hardships. “UNICEF’s collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, will help these families with additional resources to better provide for their children in the extremely challenging economic situation they are currently experiencing,” Mrs. Mariko Kagoshima said.

UNICEF’s support to the MLSS is made possible through funding provided by the United Nations (UN) COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

This UN inter-agency finance mechanism was created to support low- and middle- income programme countries in overcoming the health and development crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, (right) and Mrs. Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF Jamaica Country Representative (left) sign $40m grant funding partnership agreement to boost PATH Programme.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Greater Recognition Coming for Household Workers

Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda on Wednesday, took another step to formalize the services of Domestic Workers. This as he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) of the Ministry and the Jamaica Household Workers Union which represents Household Workers.

Minister Karl Samuda is calling on household workers to make use of the training now available through the collaboration between the Union and his Ministry.

“I am encouraging our household workers to utilize the opportunities available through the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) and the HEART Trust/National Service Training Agency to upgrade their skills and obtain the relevant certification,” Mr. Samuda said.

According to Minister Samuda, they should also seek to train and qualify themselves to use and interact with the technology being provided, as this will not only allow them to excel at their craft, but will also increase their bargaining power in the labour market.

Minister Samuda was speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry’s Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and JHWU at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on Wednesday, October 14.

The objective of this joint partnership is to improve access to the database and the services offered by LMIS to members of the JHWU, as well as to establish a higher degree of formality within the Household Workers Sector.

Under the MOU, LMIS will provide training to Jamaica Household Workers’ Union’s members on how to use their system, in addition to finding suitable candidates for vacancies posted by employers.

On the other hand, JHWU will assist with promoting the LMIS and help find suitable candidates for vacancies received or posted on the LMIS.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden welcomed the move and praised the JHWU for continuously advocating on behalf of one of the most vulnerable and unrecognized group of workers.

“This is a very timely initiative for the tripartite partnership as it has brought all parties together and it is my hope that this is the beginning of many more partnerships to come,” Roberts Risden noted.

 Hon. Karl Samuda, Minister of Labour & Social Security (1st right) and Miss Maureen Smith, Executive Member of the Union (center) shows off signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union, as Hon. Zavia Mayne, State Minister in the Ministry, (2nd right), Colette Roberts Risden, Permanent Secretary (1st left) and Miss Joyce Hewitt, Board Chair of the Union (2nd left) look on.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, October 2, 2020

Beware, it is another social media hoax

It has been brought to the Ministry of Labour & Social Security’s attention that information has been widely circulating on Social Media that the Ministry is seeking individuals for employment as Sanitization and Bearer and that training will begin on Monday, October 5, 2020.

The Ministry is advising the public that this is another employment hoax.

The Ministry is again reminding employers and job seekers that the Labour Market Information System, currently hosted by the Ministry continues to provide a platform for employers to post their vacancies and job seekers to post their resumes so that both parties are aware of opportunities as well as the availability of skill sets.

Job seekers are encouraged to download the LMIS mobile app from the Google Play store or visit the website at www.lmis.gov.jm for possible employment opportunities.

Remember, for further information please contact the Electronic Labour Exchange at 876-948-7041, 876-922-0366 or 876-948-8708.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

New Head of IDT Appointed

Veteran public servant, Errol Miller, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. His appointment took effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

Mr. Miller, who was a career civil servant, comes to the post with over forty (40) years of experience in the public sector. His career has moved along a continuum from Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Health in 1972 to that of Chief Technical Director, Labour Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Security from October 2009 to January 18, 2016.

Errol Miller has had many merited encomiums, chief among them the establishment and leadership of The Pre- Conciliation Unit at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in 1996.

Meanwhile, Labour and Social Security Minister, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, has welcomed the elevation of Mr. Miller as a clear example of upward social mobility. Minister Henry said that this climb to the pinnacle of his career, speaks volumes for Miller’s dedication and commitment to the people of Jamaica, but more so the workers, whose interests and well-being underpin his indefatigable service.

According to Ministry Henry, Miller’s eminence in the field of Industrial Relations and contribution to the tenets of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the international scene have prepared him well for his new position as Chairman of the IDT.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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