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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., delivers the keynote address at the launch of the Government of Jamaica’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (GOJ/SAWP) Scholarship, held on Tuesday (March 31) at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre, on East Street in Kingston. Sixty scholarships will be awarded for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the SAWP.

Farm Workers Off to Canada as SAWP Celebrates 60 Years

Nearly 300 farm workers departed for Canada on Wednesday (April 1), under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP). This follows the departure of another 180 seasonal workers on Monday, March 30, which included a group of 31 bound for the...

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

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

Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr (right), is seen here with from left Secretary General of International Social Security Association (ISSA), Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano; Minister of Social Affairs and Works in Haiti, Hon. Marc Elie Nelson; and Minister of Social Security in Brazil, Wolney Queiroz Marciel. Occasion was the opening ceremony of the Regional Social Security Forum, held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently

1 week ago Social Security

Country Commits to Advancing Digital Transformation In Social Protection Systems

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to advancing digital transformation in social protection systems. Speaking at the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Regional Social Security Forum for the Americas, which is currently being held in São Paulo, Brazil, the Minister underscored Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to modernise its social protection framework through digital...

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

1 week ago Foreign AffairsLabourSocial Security

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 weeks 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...

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

3 weeks ago Social SecurityTechnology

JCPD Urges More Persons With Disabilities To Register

Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, is encouraging more persons with disabilities across the island to register with the Council, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion and expand access to essential services. Presently, 15,888 persons are registered with the JCPD. However, reports indicate that approximately 41,800 persons with disabilities reside...

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 weeks 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.

3 weeks ago Social Security

2026/27 Budget Boosts for Labour and Social Security Programmes

The proposed Estimates of Expenditure for fiscal year 2026/27 reflect increases across several key programmes and agencies within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., in his opening remarks on March 6 during the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House, where members...

3 weeks 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...