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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), greets the youngest farm worker for the April 2026 season, Reneil Chambers, who will be participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP) for the first time. The occasion was the launch of the Government of Jamaica’s SAWP (GOJ/SAWP) Scholarship, held on Tuesday (March 31) at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre, East Street, downtown Kingston. Sixty scholarships will be awarded at the start of the 2026 academic year, in recognition of the SAWP’s 60th anniversary. Sharing the moment (from left) are Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, and State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Donovan Williams.

Gov’t Launches SAWP Scholarship to Mark Programme’s 60th Anniversary

The Government of Jamaica’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (GOJ/SAWP) Scholarship was officially launched on Tuesday (March 31), providing vital financial support to the dependents of Jamaican farm workers pursuing advanced secondary and tertiary studies. Administered through the Ministry of Labour...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (sixth right), is joined by State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Donovan Williams (second left); Permanent Secretary , Colette Roberts Risden (fourth left), who is on special assignment; and Acting Permanent Secretary , Dione Jennings (third right), in a photo opportunity with 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 Hayes, Clarendon, on Sunday (March 29).

PHOTOS: 60th Anniversary Church Service for Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Programme

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

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.

2 months ago LabourSocial Security

MOU Signed to Strengthen Support for Domestic Workers

The country’s domestic workers are to benefit from training, improved labour protections and opportunities, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU). The agreement, coinciding with the union’s 35th anniversary, builds on the existing partnership between the entities, by providing a more structured and strategic approach...

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.

2 months ago Labour

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 gala & awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on March 16. He cited the country’s...

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.

3 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...