The Government is working with its counterpart in Canada to improve the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP). Almost 10,000 Jamaicans benefited under the programme in Canada during last year. “We are working here as your government, in collaboration with the government of Canada, to make sure that we improve in the selection, in the orientation, [and] in the management process,”...

A total of 16,051 of the country’s older residents are registered with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC). In addition, more than 800 seniors are being served under the NCSC’s Meals on Wheels feeding programme. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure to JIS News as he gave an update on programmes and...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has underscored the importance of a study conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) that assessed the quality of life of the disabled on the island. Addressing a recent Disability Assessment in Jamaica sensitisation workshop at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St. James, the Minister...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (centre), is saluted by cadets as he enters the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) at Palisadoes Park, Kingston, for a recent tour. Accompanying him are Minister of State in the Labour Ministry, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn (second right), and CMU President, Professor Andrew Spencer (fourth left). The visit was geared...

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, presents a food package to 69-year-old Eli Powell, during a visit to his home on Henley Road, Kingston 11, on Thursday (December 21). Mr. Powell, who is blind, is a beneficiary of the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC).

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been in discussions with several overseas farm work programme employers in Canada, with a view to their recruiting Jamaicans with disabilities. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during an interview with JIS News. “We have already started to have positive conversation with some of the employers in Canada, some...

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, is warning employers not to engage persons under the age of 18 years to work in their establishments. Section 34 of the Childcare and Protection Act (CCPA) criminalises child labour. Under the Act, a fine not exceeding $500,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding...