Alister McLean has been named Jamaica’s first Disability Inclusion Advocate. A respected youth advocate and public voice for disability rights, Mr. McLean is widely recognised for using his lived experience to challenge stigma, promote accessibility and advance equal opportunity, consistently demonstrating that disability is not inability. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the announcement during...

More than a million transactions were processed through Government's secure online payment gateway, Paygate, during the last financial year. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Hon. Audrey Marks, in her contribution to the 2026/2027 Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Wednesday (May 20). Paygate facilitates...

In the 2025 calendar year, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) recorded contributions totalling $44.8 billion. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 19). “In addition, the National Insurance Fund stands at $262.8 Billion in net assets at the end of...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9 per cent during the January to March 2026 quarter, compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Speaking during PIOJ’s quarterly briefing on Wednesday (May 20), Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, said the out-turn largely reflected the lingering impact of Hurricane Melissa on productive activities....

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) have finalised a settled draft of the Occupational Safety and Health legislation. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who further advised that consultations with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies are nearing completion. Throughout 2025, the Ministry, in close collaboration with...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is intensifying efforts to reduce road fatalities to below 300 this year. Commanding Officer for the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Senior Superintendent Lloyd Darby, said the police are pursuing several strategies aimed at significantly reducing deaths resulting from road collisions. “Last year we ended with 374 deaths on our roads, which was...

Approximately 924 containerised housing units are in the island as the Government presses ahead with its temporary housing relief programme aimed at assisting families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. The units are being stored at locations including Spanish Town, St. Catherine; Luana in St. Elizabeth, and Montpelier, St. James under the supervision of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), said Minister without...