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MLSS PR Unit May 27, 2024

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Honours Lynden Gladstone Newland

labour ministry with coat of arms

Public Relations and Communication Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

 

 

Friday, May 24, 2024

 

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Honours Lynden Gladstone Newland

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Wednesday unveiled a bust in honour of Lynden Gladstone Newland, a Jamaican legend and pioneer in the field of labour and social security.

Newland’s legacy includes co-founding the Jamaica Labour Party and serving as Minister of Labour and National Insurance from 1962-1972, where he introduced the National Insurance Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative that continues to provide financial security for Jamaican families.

The ceremony was held in recognition of Newland’s contribution to our social security net as the founding father of the NIS – a testament to his vision to boosting Jamaica’s development and his commitment to public service.

Held at the Ministry’s headquarters, the unveiling was attended by Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport the Honourable Olivia Grange, MP, OJ, CD, Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr. the Honourable Norman Dunn, MP. Other attendees included government officials, labour leaders, and members of the Newland family.

Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness delivered the keynote address where he highlighted the synergy between Lynden’s actions and his administration. The Prime Minister said, “one of the primary goals of my administration is to establish a stable and robust macroeconomic environment with fiscal certainty. This my fellow Jamaicans will support employment and income generation, capital investment, and increased economic activity. Our focus is not on boasting about statistics, but on creating economic surpluses that enable your government to do more and more for the benefit of the Jamaican people.”

Minister Charles Jr. brought greetings and shared that, “the unveiling of this bust is a fitting tribute to L.G. Newland’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on Jamaican society. We honour his memory and continue to build upon his achievements to create a more just and equitable society for all.”

The National Insurance Scheme is administered under the National Insurance Act and provides vital financial protection against the loss of income due to injury, sickness, retirement, or the unfortunate death of a breadwinner.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security continues its tireless journey to transform and improve Social Security systems, to empower our workforce, and create a more just and equitable society for all.

 

The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime of Jamaica (front right) exchanges thoughts with Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour & Social Security (l) during the unveiling ceremony of a bust of Former Minister of National Insurance, Mr. Lynden Newland on May 22, 2024. The ceremony was held in observance of Workers’ Week.

 

 

All smile in excitement as the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime of Jamaica (front centre) and the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (behind the Prime Minister) unveiled the bust of Mr Lynden Newland, Former Minister of Labour and National Insurance, at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle Office in Kingston on May 22, 2024. The ceremony was held as part of Workers’ Week observance.

 

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit|Tel: (876) 967-5484|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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