News Categories: Media Release

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Saturday, March 19, 2022

No Negotiations Underway for El Greco

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda says the National Insurance Fund is not in negotiations with any entity relating to El Greco in St. James.

El Greco is owned by the National Insurance Fund (NIF).

Minister Samuda, who noted recent reports in the media, said the NIF has not received any proposal or offer in relation to the St. James property.

In addition, Minister Samuda said no such proposal or offer has been submitted to the board of Cleveland Resorts, El Greco’s parent company.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

National Minimum Wage Increase Approved

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda has announced increases in the National Minimum Wage and Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards.

The increases were approved by Cabinet on Monday, February 21.

Effective April 1, the country’s minimum wage will move from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work week.

Cabinet has also approved an increase in the Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards from $9,700 to $10,500 per 40 hour work week and increases in allowances payable to security guards effective April 1.

These increases are as follows:

· Laundry Allowance will be increased $44.00 to $47.62 per hour,

· Firearm Premium Allowance will be increased from $48.00 to $51.95 per hour

· Dog Handler’s Premium Allowance will be increased from $33.00 to $35.72 per hour

· Life Insurance coverage with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage will also increase from $2.75m to $2.976m

The Labour Minister said the necessary orders to give effect to the increases will be tabled in Parliament in short order.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, February 28, 2022

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Expands Fleet of Mobile Units

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security has expanded its fleet of mobile units with the addition of two (2) 55 seater coaches, to improve efficiencies in the transportation of workers engaged under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme.

The buses were commissioned into service by Minister Karl Samuda, at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre during a brief ceremony on February 24, 2022, in which Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, participated.

Immediately following the commissioning ceremony, the buses departed to the Norman Manley International Airport carrying ninety-five workers bound for Canada.

In her remarks to the departing workers, Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden noted that the customized buses had been designed with their safety and comfort in mind, and challenged them to take care of the units. “These are not your regular buses; these coaches place emphasis on providing a safe, comfortable ride. Each unit is equipped with an info-tainment system, a spacious luggage compartment, padded, semi-bucket seats with arm and foot rests, and an air ride suspension system to cushion the feel of the road. The safety features include runway lights for night travelling and a full camera system. The buses are yours, so take care of them.”

The brief ceremony concluded with the cutting of a ribbon by Minister Samuda, who was accompanied by Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, and Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, February 11, 2022

Disabilities Act comes into effect February 14, 2022 – a Historic Feat – Minister Samuda

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda is encouraging all Jamaicans to join in celebrating the historic milestone of The Disabilities Act (2014) coming into full effect on February 14, 2022.

The Disabilities Act was passed in Parliament in October 2014, and The Regulations were later affirmed in both Houses of Parliament in October 2021.

“This legislation promotes and protects the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in all areas of development, these rights, which are enshrined in our constitution, are supported by standards of non-discrimination,” Minister Samuda stated.

Minister Samuda added that The Disabilities Act coming into effect, puts the Government one step closer to reducing discrimination against persons with disabilities and ensuring that their rights to education, employment, health, access to public passenger vehicles, housing and premises and to participate in political office and public life.

He explained, that Jamaica has signed and ratified the United Nations Conventions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and has adopted the concept of progressive realization. Minister Samuda said we are making steady progress in advancing the implementation of the Convention’s provisions to realise the rights of persons with disabilities.

He urged all Jamaicans today and always to show love and “Respect –Ability: Disability Rights Matter.” As citizens we should continue to work together as a nation to build more resilience, create inclusion and break down barriers so all Jamaicans may participate equally” he concluded.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Labour & Social Security Ministry Calls Emergency Conciliatory Meeting

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has scheduled an emergency conciliatory meeting for Monday, January 31, 2022 at 9:00 am between the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association.

This is as a result of the Notice of Industrial Action issued on Friday by the Jamaica Air Traffic Association on the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority owing to their dissatisfaction with the pace of the wage and fringe benefits negotiation which is currently before the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, January 14, 2021

Minister Samuda Condemns Brutal Killing of Gabriel King

Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda is condemning the recent brutal killing of nine-year-old Gabriel King as an evil and cowardly act against persons with disabilities.

According to Minister Samuda, the news of Gabriel’s killing is deeply mortifying, and is a direct attack on the lives of promising Jamaicans from the disabled community. Happening at a time, when the government is intensifying its efforts to put systems in place to safeguard the lives and rights of persons with disabilities.

“I am expressing my deepest condolences to the family and the community of young Gabriel, I am calling on persons to come forward and give information to the police so that those responsible can be held accountable for their actions”. Minister Samuda said.

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, December 10, 2021

Jamaica Recognized for Efforts to Formalize Domestic Workers

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda has welcomed news that Jamaica has been recognized for its work to formalize domestic workers. Jamaica has been included as a Good Practice Example in the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative CHRI’s report “Domestic Work is Work: Using ILO Convention 189 to Protect Workers’ Rights across the Commonwealth”.

The report examines the work that has been done to improve the rights and working conditions of domestic workers and bring them into the formal sector in the 10 years since the ILO’s Domestic Workers Convention, C189. Jamaica, which ratified C189 in 2016, is one of only 5 commonwealth countries to have ratified the convention.

Speaking at an online forum to launch the report on Friday, December 10, Minister Samuda said it is fitting that the report is being launched on International Human Rights Day. “I am also proud to know that our progress has been noted in the new report on the Domestic Workers Convention,” said Minister Samuda.

The Labour and Social Security Minister, who acknowledged the integral role played by the Shirley Pryce led Jamaica Household Workers Union in the ratification, said the Ministry continues to work with the JHWU to protect the rights of this critical but vulnerable group.

Minister Samuda noted that the Ministry is in the process of amending legislation such as the Minimum Wage Act to provide additional protections to domestic workers.

“This will ensure that they are regularly paid and that their statutory deductions are paid over so they can access their NIS. The amendments will ensure that they know their leave entitlements and that they have the necessary documentation to support their case in the event of disputes. We are also looking at the Employment Agencies Regulation to put additional measures in place to protect them against human trafficking,” said Minister Samuda.

Minister Samuda said the Ministry is committed to the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda for all workers and continues to work with the organization towards reaching this goal. In the meantime, President of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union, Shirley Pryce has also welcomed the development.

“We are proud. Jamaica is truly a leader and a model example. We look forward to the continued relationship that we have built with the Ministry of Labour as the work is ongoing,” said Ms. Pryce.

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, November 12, 2021

More Jamaicans are Embracing Flexible Work

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne said that there is a paradigm shift in the mindset of employees in Jamaica. According to Minister Mayne, more and more Jamaicans are of the view that Flexible Work Arrangements increases their ability to be more productive, provides a greater balance between work and personal responsibilities, while offering opportunities for them to complete tasks at their own convenience.

Minister Mayne said this paradigm shift was reflected in a Jamaica Productivity Centre survey that was conducted recently and is critical to the country’s growth and development. He said if Jamaica is to remain globally competitive, then it will require a change in approach and mindset by all the stakeholders from the various disciplines and industries.

He also disclosed that the Government, through the Jamaica Productivity Centre is developing a Policy Framework, to heighten productivity awareness among schools and organizations, as the global market place becomes more competitive. Minister Mayne explained that this productivity awareness campaign, will be broad-based across individuals, enterprises and the national levels.

Minister Mayne also pointed out that the impact of the pandemic has been devastating on the labour market. However, the Ministry through the JPC is taking steps to ensure that the current and

future labour force, will be equipped with the skills needed to be competitive, innovative and productive.

In this regard, he said the Jamaica Productivity Centre will be embarking on a number of initiatives to broaden Productivity awareness in Jamaica. These include:

• the launch of Productivity Clubs and competitions at the Primary, Secondary and tertiary levels;
• the development of an App to support mental wellness among employees:
• development of a comprehensive waste management system
• facilitating Productivity in the Curriculum of Skills Development and
• Strengthening of partnerships among MIND, HEART TRUST/NSTA, The Hugh Lawson Shearer Labour Studies Institute and the University of the West Indies Department of Economics.

Minister Mayne was speaking at the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) Quarterly Forum on the Theme: ‘Productivity, Covid-19 and Human Capital Development’ in Kingston on Thursday.

Panellists and presenters at the Jamaica Productivity Centres’ Productivity Forum paused for our lenses. Mrs. Novelette Denton Prince, Managing Director (Acting) of the HEART/NSTA Trust (Back l), Mrs. Tamar Nelson, Chief Technical Director, Jamaica Productivity Centre (Back c), Dr. Tamika Benjamin, National Mathematics Coordinator/Tertiary Support Officer at the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, (Back r), Mr. Vando Palmer, Director of Public Relations and Communications, MLSS (l), Mrs. LaSonja Harrison, President Elect, Jamaica Teachers’ Association (1st l), Mr. Dervan Malcolm, Moderator (c), Ms. Brittany Johnson, Research Officer, Technical Assistance Services Unit, Jamaica Productivity Centre (1st r) and Mr. Dominic Summers, President, iCreate Institute (r).

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Mayne wants more Persons with Disabilities employed in Jamaica

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne is calling on employers, to hire more persons with disabilities (PWDs), because they have the ability to perform their duties as good as able-bodied workers.

“Hiring persons with disabilities enhances an organization’s image in the general community and they have the ability to boost staff morale,” Mayne explained.

Minister Mayne who has special responsibility for legislative reform in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, said that, he recognizes an increasing degree of hesitancy by employers to employ PWDs. However, points out that research has shown that once they are in the right job, they will be able to perform as good as other able-bodied employees.

He said that the government is taking the necessary steps to reduce discrimination against PWDs and is committed to developing an inclusive society in keeping with Jamaica’s Vision 2030.

According to Minister Mayne, “There are many Persons with Disabilities who want to be productive members of society, providing for themselves, while at the same time giving back to society like everybody else”.

Mayne was the keynote speaker at the opening of Red Stripe’s newly renovated J$134M multi-purpose employee facility on Spanish town Road in Kingston on Wednesday.

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, August 9, 2021

Samuda Condemns Violent Attack on Farm Worker

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda is condemning the recent violent attack on a Jamaican farm worker in Canada.

Minister Samuda said the attack has come as a surprise, especially as the Ministry is intensifying efforts to grow the programme, which provides temporary employment to over 10,000 Jamaicans annually in Canada.

The Labour and Social Security Minister said the Ministry has reached out to both parties to provide the requisite support.

Minister Samuda is urging farm workers not to use violence to settle disagreements, but to instead utilize all available dispute resolution channels including the Jamaica Liaison Service.

The Jamaica Liaison Service is an arm of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security based in Canada that sees to the welfare and safety of Jamaican farm workers in that country.

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
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more