2013/2014 Sectoral Debate: Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured once again to stand in this Honourable House to report on the performance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security over the last financial year and our plans for the next year.

I want to thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister for the tremendous support she continues to give to the labour agenda and the process of supporting and empowering vulnerable Jamaicans.

Download 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate: Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier

Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the Permanent Secretary, the directors and staff of the Ministry, tripartite partners, other stakeholders and development team members for their invaluable work in advancing the interests of the Ministry.

Mr. Speaker, this presentation is taking place at a time when the country is implementing an IMF programme and we are confronting varied challenges in every sector. But opportunities must be created and hopes must be fulfilled.

The Labour and Social Security Ministry has the integral role of managing and promoting labour relations, employment and social security to achieve economic expansion and social equity.

PRODUCTIVITY REVOLUTION

Mr. Speaker, since I was entrusted with these portfolio responsibilities, I have been on a mission to create a productivity revolution in Jamaica.

I have very strong confidence in the transformational powers of productivity, and this explains why my contribution to the 2012/2013 Sectoral Debate was titled: “Improved Productivity and Labour Market Efficiency: Pathways to Decent Work and Social Protection”.

It should come as no surprise to anyone in this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker that continue to emphasize productivity as a critical component of my contribution to this 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to champion the cause of productivity because it is the prudent thing to do. I continue to champion the cause of productivity because it is a central plank of the growth agenda of this administration, of which I am a proud member.

Mr. Speaker, MLSS is committed to ensuring that Jamaica maintains a laser-like focus on productivity growth. This is because productivity growth is a strategy that can simultaneously accomplish most of the development goals articulated by this Government…READ MORE

Download 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate: Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier