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KINGSTON — Minister of Transport and Works, Hon Mike Henry, defended the credibility of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP), during his budget presentation in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Henry said that the loan for the programme had to be from the Export/ Import Bank of China to the Government of Jamaica, with an interest rate of three...

MANDEVILLE — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, says the Government is committed to the development of human capital through education and training. He said economic advancement can only be achieved if citizens are offered the opportunity to access training, including basic literacy and numeracy skills, so that they can become financially independent and care for their...

KINGSTON — State Minister for Labour and Social Security, Hon. Andrew Gallimore, is lauding the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH) for its continued contribution to the development of children residing in inner-city communities. “VOUCH is making a huge difference in the lives of many families here in the inner-city, providing day care ... and also doing a...

KINGSTON – Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has said that all savings due to workers engaged in the United States and Canadian overseas employment programmes are in safe custody and will be paid over when the workers themselves make a demand. Mr. Charles gave the assurance in a statement to the House of Representatives on March...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has assured that the Canadian Overseas Employment Programme is a sound, viable avenue for jobs overseas, and is in good financial standing. “The Ministry is proud of its recruitment record and takes very seriously, its responsibility to the workers and their employers,” Mr. Charles stated on March 15 in the House...

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange, has launched the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE), and the Way Out Project. The launch, which formed part of activities commemorating International Women’s Day, as well as the centenary of the Day, was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on March 8. It was jointly organised by the Ministry ...

The Government has always encouraged Jamaicans to prepare for retirement, by joining a private pension scheme, saving, and contributing to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Upon retirement, Jamaicans who have been making contributions over the years to the NIS are entitled to a steady monthly income. The NIS is a compulsory...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, is commending the business community for investing in the country over the years and urged members to continue to work with the Government to create jobs and reduce unemployment. “If you don’t invest, we cannot export; if you don’t invest, we cannot find jobs…,” he said. Minister Charles was addressing the...

Residents of Westchester and neighbouring Portmore communities are benefiting from a newly refurbished community centre, initiated by the Social Development Commission (SDC) to encourage partnerships with stakeholders. The centre, refurbished in December at a cost of some $2 million, houses a homework centre, an office for a Justice of Peace and a meeting place for five groups in the community...

Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, Pearnel Charles, has called on students to “walk in the right lane” and avoid bad company. “The only reason why I am where I am today is because I stood in my lane.  I am appealing to you; your future is in your own hands -...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles is encouraging employers to make use of the National Skills Bank to identify skilled job seekers within the country. “The skills bank (provides) a list of skills that are available throughout the country parish by parish, category by category. Through this National Skills Bank, demand or shortages in various job categories...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has removed the work permit requirement for overseas technicians, who are needed to carry out urgent work in the island for a period not exceeding 30 days. “If your machine is down and you need a man from anywhere in the world, you won’t have to wait six weeks anymore to apply and...