A total of 11,138 Jamaicans benefitted from job opportunities under the Overseas Employment Programme during 2012/2013. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House, on June 4. [RELATED: Industrial Relations Landscape Remains Stable] Of the number, some 3,269 workers were placed in the United...

A Ministry of Labour and Social Security-led project, under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), is be piloted in two communities at a cost of US$1.2 million. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, explains that the objective of the Project is to demonstrate and develop a model for rural road construction and maintenance, and erosion control. [RELATED:...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the industrial relations landscape remains stable, despite an increase in the number of disputes reported. This, he says, has been due to the Ministry’s ability to adequately address and resolve the issues. “Despite some increase in the number of reported cases, I am happy to report that the Ministry has...

The Government will continue to ensure the viability of the National Insurance Fund (NIF), by focusing on development projects, which are consistent with its growth strategy. Some of these investments include: Development of several National Insurance Scheme (NIS) properties across the island; a US$15 million development of Braco Resorts, as part of the continued thrust in the tourism sector; and...

The Abilities Foundation, a division of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has expanded its curriculum to better cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. In addition to garment construction, furniture making, office administration, housekeeping, ornamental horticulture, and landscaping, the facility now offers courses in design and décor, computer repair, data operation, and crop production. Managing Director at...

Immediate Past President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF), Wayne Chen, has urged employers to capitalise on appropriate technology and put in place good business management structures to boost productivity. Mr. Chen was speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank to mark Workers’ Week. His comments come against the background of new measures that Government plans to implement, which are...

The Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, is carrying out improvements to community infrastructure in the rural St. Catherine community of TyDixon. The investment in the community is being done in phases, starting with TyDixon Basic School and a water catchment tank, which serves the community. On Labour Day (May 23), representatives of the...

A public education campaign, aimed at sensitizing Jamaicans about the importance of productivity to national development, is among measures to be undertaken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, as it seeks to boost the levels of output in the public and private sectors. According to portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, there is a lack of contribution and commitment...