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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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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 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 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 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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, July 18, 2023

MLSS Settles Wage Disputes between National Water Commission and Unions

Following the threat of industrial action from the National Water Commission (NWC), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has after eight (8) days of negotiations secured an agreement between the entity and the unions representing its workers.

The Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., signed the agreement this afternoon and stated that, “After a lengthy round of negotiations we can report that we have secured an agreement between the NWC and the five (5) unions representing its workers.  The MLSS continues to serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and we thank the parties including the Ministry of Finance and Public Service for engaging in this process that has resulted in an amicable resolution.”

Over two thousand (2000), workers from the NWC were restive and served seventy two hours (72) hours strike notice in respect of concerns with the implementation of the compensation review. The main areas of concern included the conversion methodology and the treatment of travelling officers.

 Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charels Jr., (C) President, National Water Commission Executive Staff Association, Mrs. Pamela Hall Newland, (1st L), General Secretary, National Workers Union, Mr. Granville Valentine, (1st R), joined by General Secretary, JALGO, Mrs. Helene Davis Whyte, (2nd L), Vice President, Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, Mr. Wesley Nelson, (2nd R), President, Union of Private & Public Employees, (UPPE), Mr. Fitzroy Bryan, (3rd L), President, National Water Commission, Mr. Mark Barnett (3rd R) joins in the signing of the New Compensation agreement for the National Water Commission. The parties are guided by Divisional Director, Industrial Relations & Allied Services, Ms Gillian Corrodus. (Standing)

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

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, July 13, 2023

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Urges Caution in Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security takes note of recent concerns raised on Social Media regarding an alleged report of discrimination against a minor with a disability.

The Ministry is reminding members of the public that the Disabilities Act (2014) and its Regulations, which came into full effect on February 14, 2022, provide for the protection of Persons with Disabilities against discrimination in all forms, and that its provisions are enforceable by law.

The Ministry is also reaffirming that the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has been established as the lead public body to uphold and protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jamaica.  Persons with Disabilities who have experienced discrimination by virtue of their disability are strongly encouraged to come forward and report their experiences to the JCPD, to enable the appropriate investigations into these matters.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is appealing to Jamaicans to treat Persons with Disabilities with the greatest level of care and respect, and to ensure their full access to participation in all spheres of society.

“We firmly believe that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be treated with respect and fairness. There should be no limitation or prevention in accessing any social services as this is a breach of Human Rights.  Our society must be more accommodating to ensure equal access for Persons with Disabilties” Minister Charles said.

The Ministry, through the JCPD, will continue to raise awareness about Disability Rights while empowering Persons with Disabilities and the various stakeholder groups to continue advocacy to achieve greater inclusivity.

The JCPD stands ready to assist individuals, employers and institutions in explaining the Accessibility Checklist available on the JCPD’s Website at www.jcpd.gov.jm; to help you to accommodate or make reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities.

Members of the Public are invited to report any incident of discrimination to the JCPD by contacting (876) 968-8373/968-0623/618-1133, or by visiting the Council’s offices at 10 Ripon Road, Kingston 5. The public is also invited to visit the JCPD’s Website at www.jcpd.gov.jm  to learn more.

A Child with disability engages in a learning and teaching experience while using his tablet

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