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Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, delivers the keynote address at the official launch of the Portmore Incubator and Linkages Forum, held recently.

Workers in Global Digital Services Sector Encouraged to Utilise Help Provided by Labour Ministry

Workers in the Global Digital Services Sector are being encouraged to utilise the services of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to safeguard their rights and to access avenues for redress when needed. Minister of State in the Ministry...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (fourth right), is joined by State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Donovan Williams (background left); Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden, currently on special assignment providing strategic oversight for the Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States (third left); Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dione Jennings (second right); along with other stakeholders and participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme. The occasion was the commemorative thanksgiving service marking the programme’s 60th anniversary at the New Town Power of Faith Deliverance Ministry in New Town Phase II, Hayes, Clarendon, on Sunday (March 29).

PHOTOS: Commemorative Thanksgiving Service – The 60th Anniversary Seasonal Workers Programme

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (second right) presents a gift to High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta, George Borg (second left), during a courtesy call at the Ministry's North Street offices in Kingston on March 18. Sharing the moment are State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Donovan Williams (left), and Permanent Secretary, Dione Jennings. Mr. Borg was in Jamaica as part of Diplomatic Days 2026 .

PHOTOS: Malta High Commissioner Calls on Labour Minister

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is joined by Acting Permanent Secretary, Dione Jennings (left), and President of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), Elaine Duncan, in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on Tuesday (March 17). The agreement, coinciding with the Union’s 35th anniversary, formalises an enhanced partnership between the Ministry and the JHWU.

MOU Signed to Strengthen Support for Domestic Workers

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, joins President of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), Elaine Duncan (left), in presenting the Lifetime Legacy Award for Advocacy and Empowerment to JHWU General Secretary, Shirley Pryce, at the organisation’s 35th anniversary gala & awards ceremony on Monday (March 16), at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Gov’t Committed to Advancing Rights of Domestic Workers

Members of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) performed during the organisation’s 35th anniversary thanksgiving service at Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God in Kingston on Sunday (March 15), held under the theme‘35 Years of Dignity, Strength and Solidarity’.

2 months ago Labour

JHWU Marks 35 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment and Progress

The Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) marked its 35th anniversary with a thanksgiving service at Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God in Kingston on Sunday (March 15), celebrating decades of advocacy, empowerment, and progress for domestic workers across the island. The service, held under the theme ‘35 Years of Dignity, Strength and Solidarity’, highlighted the union’s achievements and its...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (centre), and President of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union (JHWU), Elaine Duncan (second right), display a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the entities, expanding collaboration across key areas, including labour rights training, occupational safety and health awareness, employment services, and public education initiatives. The signing took place at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on Tuesday (March 17). Sharing the moment (from left) are Acting Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, Gillian Corrodus; Acting Permanent Secretary, Dione Jennings; and JHWU General Secretary, Shirley Pryce.

2 months ago Labour

PHOTOS: Labour Ministry And JHWU Sign MOU

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., delivers remarks during the Trelawny leg of the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme handover ceremony, held at Abundant Life Ministries Church in Bounty Hall on March 11.

2 months ago Hurricane Relief & RecoveryLabour

Over 100,000 Post-hurricane Damage Assessments Completed

More than 100,000 household damage assessments have been completed across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as part of the Government’s efforts to identify and support families affected by the disaster. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., shared the update, noting that, to date, some 101,458 households have been assessed. He was speaking to residents...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), presents a grant cheque to Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme beneficiary, Julia Shaw (second right), during the Trelawny leg of the initiative’s handover ceremony, held at Abundant Life Ministries Church in Bounty Hall on March 11. Looking on are: State Minister, Hon. Donovan Williams, and State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Hon. Tova Hamilton.

2 months ago CommunityHurricane Relief & RecoveryLabour

$366m in Grants for Hurricane-affected Trelawny Families Under ROOFS Programme

Grants totalling more than $366 million are being disbursed to hurricane-affected households in Trelawny under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security as part of the national recovery effort following Hurricane Melissa. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the announcement during the Trelawny leg of the...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (left), transmits notification messages to recipients under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative during Wednesday’s (March 11) Post‑Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House. Looking on is Chief Marketing Officer and Country Manager at WiPay Jamaica, Kibwe McGann.

2 months ago LabourSocial Security

ROOFS Beneficiaries Urged to Redeem Grants Before Code Expiry

Beneficiaries under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative are being urged to redeem their grants, whether for building materials or cash, before their digital codes expire. “When you receive your text message or your QR code, it is not to be put on the shelf or in your pocket for weeks. The QR code and text...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (centre), responds to a question during Friday’s (March 6) meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House. He is flanked by State Minister, Hon. Donovan Williams, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Dione Jennings.

2 months ago Finance & Public ServiceLabourSocial Security

National Insurance Fund Remains Strong – Minister Charles Jr.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has affirmed that the National Insurance Fund (NIF) remains strong and financially viable. He notes that the facility continues to diversify its investments and strengthen its financial position as the Government reinforces its capacity to meet both current and future obligations to contributors and beneficiaries. “As at March 2026, the...

2 months ago Labour

ROOFS Programme Supporting Families Affected by Huricane Melissa

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative continues to support families affected by Hurricane Melissa, through structured and accountable assistance. State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Donovan Williams said the programme is designed to empower beneficiaries, while noting that the loss of a home extends beyond physical damage. “This is not...