Government Remains Steadfast In Push For Increased Employment For Disabled Persons
By: , November 4, 2021
Photo: Dave Reid
State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne (centre), is assisted by Managing Director, Red Stripe, Luis Prata (right), to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the Red Stripe Employee multipurpose facilities on Wednesday (November 3), at the plant’s St. Andrew location. Also pictured is Supply Chain Director, Red Stripe, Michael Grayer.
Photo: Dave Reid
State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne (second right), in discussion with (from left) Supply Chain Director, Red Stripe, Michael Grayer; Safety, Health and Environment Manager, Red Stripe, Veronica Benain; and Managing Director, Red Stripe, Luis Prata, at the official opening of the Red Stripe Employee multipurpose facilities on Wednesday (November 3), at the plant’s St. Andrew location.The Full Story
State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne, says the Government remains steadfast and committed to lobbying for increased employment of persons with disabilities, in the push towards a more inclusive society.
Speaking at the official opening of the Red Stripe Employee multipurpose facilities on Wednesday (November 3) at the plant’s St. Andrew location, the State Minister said critical actions are being taken towards achieving this.
“We believe that as a country, if we are to achieve the inclusive society that we crave, then employment of persons with disabilities must be part of that process. As a Government, we continue to lobby for the employment of persons with disabilities and as a Government, we are taking steps to put provisions in place to make life easier for persons with disabilities,” he said.
As part of this agenda, the Disabilities Act, which was passed in 2014, is slated to come into effect on February 14, 2022.
The Disabilities Act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica.
“We recognise that in Jamaica, only a very small percentage of persons with disabilities are employed, particularly in the manufacturing sector. I want to commend these companies for doing so,” he said.
The State Minister further noted that data have shown that engagement of these persons has proven successful, as these workers perform at high levels alongside their non-disabled counterparts.
He added that employment of these persons also reflects favourably on the organisation’s public image.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mayne said the Government remains committed to the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.
This is to protect workers and other persons from harm to their safety, health and welfare through the elimination or minimisation of hazards, serious injury, or risks arising out of, or in connection with activities at workplaces.