Archives: News

11 Oct
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Clarity on the Farmwork Programme

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

 

 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

 

 

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Clarity on the Farmwork Programme

   

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) reiterates its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights, interests, and well-being of all Jamaican workers, participating in the Farmwork programme. In doing so, the Ministry acknowledges the concerns and criticisms that have been raised regarding the Farmwork Programme. We understand the importance of open dialogue and constructive feedback in shaping policies and programme that benefit all stakeholders involved.

At the heart of our commitment to the Farmwork Programme is the well-being and welfare of Jamaican workers who participate, the farmers who host them, and the reputation of our nation and partners.

Protecting farmworkers who are injured on the job

The welfare of Jamaican farmworkers is safeguarded by instituted frameworks and other systems established by both governments of Jamaica and Canada.

Once a farmworker sustains an injury on the job, a report is submitted to the Workers Compensation Board by the treating physician, the worker, and the employer. This report initiates a series of processes to assess the severity of the injury and to determine the level and type of support needed by the worker.

In the case of workers who are permanently injured the medical report is submitted to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This report assists them in making a decision on the amount, if any, that is to be paid to the worker.

There is an appeal process that is available to workers who are dissatisfied with the decision of the WSIB. The Liaison Service assists in filing appeals and attends the Board Appeals Tribunal hearings with the workers.

Legal Representation and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

As part of our ongoing thrust to improve the protection of our workers, free legal representation is provided to bring their concerns before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Notwithstanding, workers also have the option to secure their own legal representation.

The WSIB makes awards based on the loss of function and/or the degree of impairment sustained by a worker injured on the job.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security welcomes the recent ruling by Canada’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal in September 2023, which now enables migrant farmworkers who have been permanently injured because of the job, to be provided with compensation beyond the twelve (12) weeks which had been the precedent by the WSIB.

Additionally in cases where an injured farmworker is repatriated to Jamaica, the following services are provided by the MLSS:

  1. The transfer of all the required medical reports and other relevant documents to the local medical service provider so that the transition to medical care at home is seamless.
  2. Continued contact with the MLSS Welfare Unit who liaises with the local medical service provider and the injured worker to ensure that all appointments are kept. Further the unit ensures that reports are sent back to the Liaison Service so that costs incurred by the worker to access medical services can be reimbursed.
  3. The welfare unit also submits claims for payment by the medical service provider on behalf of the injured worker, and follow-up to ensure that payments are affected in a timely manner.

If farmworkers have concerns, complaints, or questions about their medical care they are encouraged to share these with the welfare unit to be addressed in collaboration with the Liaison Service.

While we acknowledge that no program is without its challenges, we are dedicated to addressing concerns and ensuring that accurate information is presented to the public.

To this end:

1. We commit to enhancing the transparency of the Farmwork Programme, providing clear information about the rights and responsibilities of both workers and host employers.

2. We will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including Jamaican workers, host farmers, and our international partners, to identify areas for improvement.

3. We are actively working to strengthen the support systems available to Farmwork Programme participants, ensuring their well-being, safety, and access to essential services.

4. We will collaborate with relevant agencies and organizations to offer training and education to empower workers with the skills needed to thrive in their host countries.

5. We will investigate and address any reports of exploitation, unfair treatment, or inadequate working conditions promptly and decisively.

The Farmwork Programme remains a valuable avenue for employment and economic growth, and the Ministry is committed to its continued success.

 

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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MEDIA RELEASE 05 Oct
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Minister Charles and Productivity Chairman, Omar Azan commit to Collaborative Path to Enhance Productivity in Jamaica

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

 

Minister Charles and Productivity Chairman, Omar Azan commit to Collaborative Path to Enhance Productivity in Jamaica

 

   

The Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour & Social Security, held a fruitful meeting today with newly appointed Chairman of the Productivity Centre, Mr. Omar Azan to discuss strategies aimed at bolstering productivity and productivity awareness in Jamaica. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle Office in Kingston earlier today. This marked a significant step towards achieving greater efficiency and competitiveness in the Jamaican workforce.

During the meeting, both parties acknowledged the critical role productivity plays in the economic growth and development of Jamaica. They emphasized the importance of improving productivity across all sectors to enhance the standard of living and create more opportunities for Jamaican citizens.

Minister Charles Jr and Mr. Azan reaffirmed their commitment towards developing productivity public education programmes to increase national awareness and to sensitize more Jamaicans about the importance of productivity at every level. “The concept of Productivity should not be seen as just an isolated idea for businesses and business people, it is also an approach that should be adopted in our homes, families, workplace and all other spheres of life and should be embraced as lifestyle for every Jamaican citizens,” the Minister said. The Minister noted that we should swiftly look at how we can create a productivity system that includes persons with disabilities, our senior citizens and young people.

Both parties agreed the Jamaica Productivity Centre should lead a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate employers and employees about the benefits of improved productivity. They also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagements, including businesses, labour unions, and educational institutions, in the productivity enhancement efforts.

Chairman Azan echoed this sentiment, saying, “If we can become granular and transparent in sharing the concept of productivity to our people, then that will make a huge difference.”

The Productivity Centre is committed to working hand in hand with various stakeholders to empower Jamaican workers and businesses to achieve their highest potential. By enhancing productivity, we can unlock new opportunities and raise the standard of living for all Jamaicans.”

 

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. poses for a photo opportunity with newly appointed Board Chairman of the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Mr. Omar Azan

(L-R) Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. poses for a photo opportunity with newly appointed Board Chairman of the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Mr. Omar Azan along with Chief Technical Director for the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Mrs. Tamar Nelson and State Minister in the Ministry of Labour & Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn following a Courtesy Call held at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle Office in Kingston on October 4.

 

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. engages newly appointed Board Chairman of the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Mr. Omar Azan

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. engages newly appointed Board Chairman of the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Mr. Omar Azan in a deep discussion about his tenureship during a Courtesy Call at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle Office in Kingston on October 4.

 

 

Contact: Marcia Bolt Williams, Dir. Public Relations & Communication (876) 298-7025 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: : marcia.williams@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.

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05 Oct
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

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.

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MEDIA RELEASE 11 Sep
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Responds Urgently to Fire Victims in Kingston

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, August 28, 2023

 

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Responds Urgently to Fire Victims in Kingston

 

   

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s team of Social Workers attached to the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Office was kept busy on Thursday, conducting assessments, and delivering urgently needed disaster relief supplies to families affected by two fires in Central Kingston.

The team delivered nineteen (19) mattresses, along with groceries, drinking water, blankets, and toiletries and cleaning supplies to the occupants of 33½ Rum Lane. Thirty (30) persons were left homeless following a fire which destroyed three houses and their contents early Thursday morning.

The team’s second stop was at 6½ Rosemarie Lane, where 21 persons had been left homeless due to another fire Thursday morning. Fifteen (15) mattresses were delivered to the householders, along with a quantity of food and drinking water, bedding, toiletries, and sanitation supplies.

The Ministry’s team has invited the affected families to visit the parish office for further assistance.

 

PAA speaks briefly with fire victims

Public Assistance Administrator at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dexter Phillips (R), speaks briefly with one of the fire victims, Patricia Campbell (L), during last Thursday’s (August 24) delivery of relief supplies to the thirty (30) individuals whose homes were destroyed by fire early that morning, in the Rum Lane community of Central Kingston.

 

 

MLSS vehicles delivers mattresses

One of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s dispatch vehicles delivers new mattresses and other relief supplies to the thirty (30) fire victims who were burnt out of their homes last Thursday morning (August 24), in Rum Lane, downtown Kingston.

 

MLSS team uploads relief supplies into vehicle

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Public Assistance team unloads one of the Ministry’s dispatch vehicles filled with relief supplies, to hand over to the families whose home was completely destroyed by fire on Thursday, August 24, in Rosemarie Lane, Kingston.

 

Contact: Marcia Bolt Williams, Dir. Public Relations & Communication (876) 298-7025 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: : marcia.williams@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.

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MEDIA RELEASE 11 Sep
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Minister of Labour and Social Security Delivers Assistance to Fire Victims in Clarendon

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, August 24, 2023

 

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Delivers Assistance to Fire Victims in Clarendon

 

   

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., on Tuesday provided assistance to a family in the Community of Dampy, Clarendon, following the loss of their home and belongings to a fire on Saturday, August 19.

Minister Charles Jr. and a team of Social Workers from the Ministry’s May Pen office delivered groceries, mattresses, blankets, a gas stove, and cleaning supplies as part of the Ministry’s emergency response.

Ms. Lola Edwards, head of the household shared her appreciation for the items and expressed the hope that the next time the Minister visits it will “be under better circumstances”.

In his remarks, Minister Charles Jr. said, “I wish that there was something that could be put in place to minimize the number of fires as Clarendon is one of the parishes with the most fires annually. However, I give you my commitment that I will do my best to provide every possible means of assistance to your family, both in my capacity as Labour Minister and Social Services Minister and Member of Parliament.”

The Ministry’s team has invited the family to visit the parish office for further assistance as soon as they are in receipt of the official report from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

 

minister present disaster relief supplies

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., (2nd Right), Acting Parish Manager, Mr. Bartholomew Redwood (L) and Public Assistance Administrator, Ms. Millicent Blair (R) present disaster relief supplies to Ms. Lola Edwards (2nd L), following a fire at her home.

 

minister view photos of damages

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., and Ms. Lola Edwards (Fire victim) viewing photos of the damage done to her dwelling on her phone.

 

minister separate cleaning items

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., and Acting Parish Manager, Mr. Bartholomew Redwood separate cleaning items to assist Ms. Lola Edwards with the clean-up process after a fire destroyed her home.

 

Contact: Marcia Bolt Williams, Dir. Public Relations & Communication (876) 298-7025 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: : marcia.williams@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.

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21 Aug
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Labour Minister Meets with Repatriated Farmworkers to further investigate claims of victimization

labour ministry with coat of arms

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

 

 

Friday, August 18, 2023

 

 

Labour Minister Meets with Repatriated Farmworkers to further investigate claims of victimization

 

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, today met with repatriated farmworkers to advance investigations into allegations of victimization. Labour Minister the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., along with senior ministry officials with responsibility for the Overseas Employment Programme, this morning met with four (4) of the five (5) farm workers who were repatriated to Jamaica on August 8, to get a firsthand account of the matter.

The fifth farm worker, who was also invited indicated that he was unable to attend.

Minister Charles Jr. assured the workers that while the Ministry has a vital interest in protecting the integrity of the programme, its top priority is to ensure that the rights and interests of the workers are upheld. He urged the workers to openly share their perspectives concerning the circumstances surrounding their early return with him and the team and to make a full disclosure all relevant information that could assist ongoing investigation into this matter.

In their response, the four workers confirmed that they were aware of the report in the Jamaica Observer, however, they were adamant that they had not spoken to any media representative, or to anyone connected to the media. They indicated however, that they were aware that two media representatives had visited the farm in the days prior to their departure.

The workers assured the Ministry’s team that they have full access to and are aware of the channels provided to them for communicating challenges they experience with their employment.

As a first step, farmworkers are advised to report challenges to their supervisors and to escalate reports to their assigned Liaison Officers as needed. Telephone contact numbers for the Liaison Officers are posted in each bunkhouse, along with numbers for the Liaison Service in each Province, and the number of the Liaison Service’s head office in Toronto.

The farm workers further expressed their disappointment at returning home earlier than expected and expressed concerns about their prospects for future participation in the Farm work programme. They further agreed to provide written statements to the Ministry as investigations into this matter are ongoing.

 

Labour & Social Security Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (R) holds a brief discussion with two of the five repatriated farmworkers, Kevern Creighton, (L) and Nigel Ramsay (C) after a meeting held at the Ministry’s East Street office in Kingston on Friday, August 18, 2023

 

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
1F North Street| Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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MEDIA RELEASE 21 Aug
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Investigates Claim of Victimization

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, August 18, 2023

 

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Investigates Claim of Victimization

   

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security reiterates that we consider all complaints from farm workers seriously and that we have taken particular note of the publication in the Jamaica Observer referencing allegations of victimization against farm workers. We are unable to substantiate the allegations as publicised by the Jamaica Observer and have received no formal complaint from the workers. Nevertheless, due to the serious nature of the allegations we have invited the workers to a meeting today to hear from them directly as we continue to investigate this matter.

Our preliminary investigations thus far have revealed the following:

1. For the farm in issue there has been a notable fallout in production yield from the early cycle crops – asparagus and strawberry

2. Based on changes in climatic conditions the Spring Frost impacted the crop production, causing a decline in projected crop yields.

3. Early cessation of employment is a common occurrence based on circumstances affecting crop production as is observed on several farms in Canada

4. Environmental factors – Climate Change

5. Several farm workers who were a party to the incident earlier in July are still on the job in Canada.

The Ministry will investigate this matter thoroughly and communicate our findings.

 

 

 

Contact: Marcia Bolt Williams, Dir. Public Relations & Communication (876) 298-7025 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: : marcia.williams@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.

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MEDIA RELEASE 21 Aug
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Jamaican and Chinese Governments Pledge to Further Strengthen Bilateral Relations

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, August 11, 2023

 

Jamaican and Chinese Governments Pledge to Further Strengthen Bilateral Relations

   

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has reiterated the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China. Labour Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., accompanied by Minister of State, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, hosted His Excellency, Chen Daojiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica, during a Courtesy Call at the Ministry’s North Street office, on Wednesday, August 2.

In welcoming the Ambassador, Minister Charles expressed his appreciation for the excellent relations that Jamaica has always enjoyed with the past Chinese Ambassadors to Jamaica, and noted that his presence was of great significance to the Ministry.  For his part, Ambassador Chen Daojiang expressed his pleasure in meeting with the Ministers, and thanked them for the opportunity to discuss labour market issues of mutual interest to both countries.

The Ministers engaged the Ambassador in discussions surrounding opportunities for infusing Chinese expertise into Jamaican Industry, especially prospective opportunities for training and upskilling of the Jamaican workforce. The Ministers expressed particular interest in the employment of simulators in circumstances where face-to-face training was not practical. The discussion included possibilities for the training and development of a pool of skilled master-builders, as a means of providing new, enhanced opportunities for the Jamaican workforce, and the provision of technical assistance to help infuse a culture of workplace safety in Jamaican Industry.

The Chinese Ambassador thanked the Jamaican government for the opportunities provided to Chinese nationals and Chinese industry in Jamaica, and for the confidence reposed in the Chinese government. He invited the Jamaican Government to take advantage of the opportunities for funding provided under the Global Development Initiative, and pledged China’s continued support of and friendship with the Government of Jamaica.

 

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., (R) and His Excellency, Chen Daojiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica (2nd R), share a light moment after a Courtesy Call at the Ministry’s 1F North Street offices in Kingston on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Also pictured are Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, Minister of State (2nd L), and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden (L).

 

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., (Centre) engages Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency, Chen Daojiang and his delegation in discussions on strengthening diplomatic partnership between Jamaica and China. Min. Charles was accompanied Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (2nd L) Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden (3rd L), and Senior Advisor to the Minister, Mr. Bindley Sangster (1st L).

 

Contact: Marcia Bolt Williams, Dir. Public Relations & Communication (876) 298-7025 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: : marcia.williams@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.

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15 Aug
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

PATH to provide additional assistance for Back-to-school

labour ministry with coat of arms

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

 

 

Friday, August 11, 2023

 

 

PATH to provide additional assistance for Back-to-school

 

As the annual back-to-school season kicks into high gear with the 2023/24 academic year set to begin on September 4, the Ministry of Labour and
Social Security (MLSS) is encouraging vulnerable Jamaican families to apply for support through the Programme of Advancement through Health and
Education (PATH).

For over two decades, one of PATH’s core objectives has been to provide beneficiaries with the necessary resources to complete their primary and
secondary education and receive support for post-secondary studies. In keeping with this, PATH is highlighting several back-to-school benefits to
help ease the burden on parents and caregivers as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. speaking about the additional benefits said “With back-to-school right around the
corner we want our PATH beneficiaries to be assured that the Government is aware of the challenges they face and will be implementing provisions to
help offset some of the costs.”

Minister Charles Jr. indicated that with the next PATH beneficiary payment scheduled for mid-August, in addition to regular payments of between
$3,800 and $5,600, families will receive an additional amount of $3,500 to help with back-to-school expenses, for each child registered in a
public school from grades 1 – 13.

Permanent Secretary in the Labour and Social Security Ministry, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden emphasised that PATH’s support for its beneficiaries
continues even after high school has ended. She said, “If a child continues their education after high school, they may qualify for a Post-secondary
Grant of up to $30,000 to assist with sitting CXC exams, skills training, certificates, diplomas or associate degrees.”

She further advised that, “There’s also the Tertiary Bursary, which is available to students from PATH households, who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
With this bursary, PATH provides $100,000 annually for up to four years once that student maintains a GPA of at least 2.5 and meets other requirements
outlined by the institution they attend.”

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is reminding beneficiary families to advise the Ministry, through their parish offices island wide, if their
child/children will be starting a new school in the September term so that benefits will not be disrupted. The Ministry is also renewing its call for
vulnerable individuals who have not yet applied for PATH to do so today at their local parish office. This was they too can benefit from assistance with
uniforms, books, meals, and other allowances throughout the school year.

 

Contact: MLSS PR 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

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MEDIA RELEASE 28 Jul
By: MLSS PR Unit 0

Monday, August 7, 2023 to be Observed as Independence Day

labour ministry with coat of arms

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

 

Monday, August 7, 2023 to be Observed as Independence Day

   

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising members of the public that Independence Day will be observed on Monday, August 7, 2023.

This is in keeping with the Holidays (Public General) Act, 1895, which provides that where Independence Day falls on a Sunday, it is to be observed on the following Monday.

 

 

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.

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