Jamaicans Urged to Safeguard Personal Documents

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is urging citizens to prioritise the safekeeping of personal documents as part of their overall disaster preparedness.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank focused on Earthquake Awareness, Director, Disaster Rehabilitation and Welfare Management, MLSS, Jacqueline Shepherd, said that while no one can be fully prepared for earthquakes, safeguarding documents is one critical step individuals can take.

“It’s unexpected. There’s no plan that you can necessarily put in place. But for me, from the Ministry, secure your documentation. It’s important for continuity of your life,” she said.

Ms. Shepherd emphasised that having documents safely stored supports both personal and business recovery efforts following a disaster.

She addressed misconceptions surrounding relief support in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, noting that while documentation is important for vital long-term stability, residents were not denied assistance due to the absence of identification (ID) or their Tax Registration Number (TRN).

“Like some persons said in Melissa, they were not getting relief supplies because they don’t have an ID or TRN; that’s not so,” she said.

Ms. Shepherd further encouraged citizens to make copies of documents and share with trusted individuals for safekeeping.

“Documentations are important. For me, personally, there are some documents that I have, every family member has those whether in photocopy or [some other format],” she said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Dr. Gary McKenzie, who is assigned to the Strategic Operations Portfolio, also highlighted the importance of securing documents to reduce the risk of loss.

“I just want to add, as it relates to documentation, that it is very important that you digitise your documents,” said ACP McKenzie.

Digitising documents involves converting physical paper into digital formats (PDF, JPEG), using scanners or any suitable application on cell phones.

Among the documents that should be safeguarded are birth certificates, marriage certificates, TRN cards, passports, driver’s licences, land titles and deeds, immunisation cards and prescriptions.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, along with various State agencies, continues to promote public education and preparedness as essential elements of disaster readiness.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) recently observed Earthquake Awareness Week under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.