Interim Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, says the process has started to establish the Council as a corporate body. The transition is part of provisions under the Disabilities Act, which came into effect on February 14, 2022. The important piece of legislation is designed to protect and promote the equal rights...

February 2022 is of great significance to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD). It is the month that the Disabilities Act came into effect and the month when the JAD Binders launches the Garvey Gems, a journal which consists of memorable quotes used by the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey, National Hero, who advocated for those who are marginalised. Director,...

Cabinet has approved a 28.5 per cent increase in the national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2022. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, says this will see the rate moving from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work. Mr. Samuda further advised that Cabinet approved increases in the minimum wage for industrial security guards, which will move from...

The Government remains resolute to increase the number of units available to Jamaicans through the New Social Housing Programme. Speaking at the official handover ceremony for a three-bedroom unit in Donmair Close in St. Andrew North Central on February 16, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the programme will be expanded to provide more houses to Jamaicans in...

As the Disabilities Act comes into effect on Monday (February 14), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is encouraging Jamaicans to wear royal blue to celebrate the milestone. Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Dione Jennings, said that the ground-breaking legislation will “promote and protect as well as enhance the full and equal enjoyment of persons with disabilities (PWDs),...

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda is encouraging all Jamaicans to join in celebrating the historic milestone of The Disabilities Act (2014) coming into full effect on February 14, 2022. The Disabilities Act was passed in Parliament in October 2014, and The Regulations were later affirmed in both Houses of Parliament in October 2021. “This legislation promotes and...

The Factories Act requires that every factory must be registered under the Act and maintain a valid certificate of registration throughout its operational life. The certificate of registration is valid for a period of three (3) years and requires renewal upon its expiration. Factory owners and operators are encouraged to pay their factory registration or re-registration fees through the online...