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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

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government is committed to advancing the rights and protection of domestic workers in Jamaica. He made the declaration while addressing the Jamaica Household Workers Union’s (JHWU) 35th anniversary...

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’.

JHWU Marks 35 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment and Progress

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.

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.

Over 100,000 Post-hurricane Damage Assessments Completed

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.

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

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...

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

2 months ago Labour

$5.2 Billion in Grants Disbursed Under ROOFS

The Government has disbursed $5,222,325,000 in grants under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme to assists families affected by hurricane Melissa. This was disclosed by Minster of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. during the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee at Gordon House on Friday (March 6). ROOFS is part of the overall...

Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks.

2 months ago LabourSocial Security

Persons with Disabilities Urged to Register on JCPD’S ‘I Am Able’ Platform

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to sign up on the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) ‘I Am Able: My JCPD’ digital platform, which is designed to enhance access to services and promote inclusion. The secure, user-friendly platform, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), allows individuals to digitally register with the JCPD, reducing the need...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, delivers the keynote address during the official launch of Chester Creek housing development at Westchester Drive in Portmore, St. Catherine, on Tuesday (March 3).

2 months ago LabourSocial Security

Prime Minister Orders Audit Teams to Safeguard ROOFS Programme from Welfare Fraud

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has directed the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) to establish audit teams to prevent welfare fraud within the Restoration of Owner and Occupant Family Shelter (ROOFS) Programme. The initiative, as part of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), supports individuals and families whose...

Executive Director of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), Kimberly Sherlock Marriot-Blake (second left), converses with (from left) Director, Centre for Disability Studies, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Senator Professor Floyd Morris; Campus Librarian, Main Library, UWI, Jessica Lewis-Marshall; and National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) Board Chair, Joy Douglas, during Monday’s (March 2) launch of the Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) training programme for the public library system. The event took place at the UWI. Spearheaded by the Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN), the initiative forms part of a phased effort to strengthen accessibility across public libraries and promote greater inclusion for the Deaf community.

2 months ago LabourSocial Security

Jamaican Sign Language Training Programme for Public Libraries Launched

The Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN) has launched a phased Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) training programme aimed at eliminating communication barriers within the nation’s public library system and promoting greater inclusion for members of the Deaf community. The initiative, titled ‘Bridging the Gap: One Sign at a Time’, was officially launched on Monday (March 2), at the University of...