News Detail

MLSS PR Unit October 5, 2023

Charles Jr. urges collaboration with High Commissioner Designate of Jamaica to the United Kingdom for most vulnerable

labour ministry with coat of arms

 

Charles Jr. urges collaboration with High Commissioner Designate of Jamaica to the United Kingdom

Charles Jr. urges collaboration with High Commissioner Designate of Jamaica to the United Kingdom for most vulnerable

 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

 

 

The High Commissioner Designate of Jamaica to the United Kingdom, Mr. Alexander Williams, paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security today, October 3 at the Heroes Circle offices.  This meeting focused on creating new partnerships and future collaborative efforts that could be developed to expand the longstanding mutual relations between the two nations.

High Commissioner Designate Williams met with the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security, State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, and key officials from the Ministry.

Minister Charles Jr., in welcoming High Commissioner Williams, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in addressing social and labour-related challenges. The Minister stated, “Our commitment to improving the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens is a key strategic objective which can be bolstered through our ongoing relationship. Jamaica and the United Kingdom have a long history of collaboration, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

The discussions were centered on the use of knowledge sharing and best practices that could be instituted in Jamaica based on their successful implementation in the United Kingdom to improve Social Services to our most vulnerable people.  Further discussions were held regarding harnessing the experiences of partners to drive the transformation of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to meet the demands of our ever-changing world.

Minister Charles Jr. reiterated the need to reposition and reestablish Jamaica as the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, with a hyper focus on the outlook of the Jamaican labour market.

Both parties recognized the potential for joint initiatives, including knowledge sharing, research, and capacity-building programmes to improve social support networks and labour-related services. Discussions also included the prioritizing of employment opportunities for vulnerable groups.

The High Commissioner Designate expressed gratitude for the warm reception and affirmed Jamaica’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the United Kingdom. High Commissioner Williams stated, “Jamaica values the relationship with the United Kingdom, and we believe that by pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise, we can create positive outcomes for vulnerable populations.”

The courtesy call concluded with a commitment to further dialogue and cooperation between Jamaica and the United Kingdom in the pursuit of enhancing the lives of the most vulnerable citizens in Jamaica.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the High Commission of Jamaica to the United Kingdom look forward to continuing to work together and strengthening the longstanding relationship between our two nations.