Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. is calling for more strategic and coordinated collaboration to fully maximise the potential of a sustainable blue economy. He emphasised that this collaborative approach is critical to driving inclusive economic growth, creating resilient employment opportunities, protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities, and safeguarding ocean health for future generations. “Our maritime...

Senior citizens from clubs all across Jamaica came together for an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship in celebration of National Grandparents Day. The third annual staging of the event was held on Sunday (September 21) at the Verandah at Juci Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. It was organised by Juci Patties in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been actively partnering with community-based organisations to reach elderly citizens and other vulnerable individuals in need of social support programmes. Chief Technical Director (CTD), Audrey Deer-Williams, told JIS News that nearly 150,000 individuals are currently receiving pensions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), alongside 66,000 older persons supported through the Programme of...

A total of 16,000 persons are currently registered under the Government’s Social Pension Programme. Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Audrey Deer-Williams, made the disclosure during the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) television programme, ‘Get the Facts’. Launched in 2021, the Social Pension Programme targets Jamaican citizens, aged 75 and older, who are not receiving any...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is reporting that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) currently caters to almost 150,000 pensioners living in Jamaica and overseas. Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Audrey Deer-Williams, made the disclosure during an interview on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) television programme ‘Get the Facts’. “We have approximately 136,000 pensioners locally and another 12,000...

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says the Ministry will be strengthening programmes to reach the most vulnerable Jamaicans, including the disabled and the elderly. Speaking to JIS News at the swearing-in of Cabinet Ministers at King’s House on Wednesday (September 17), the Minister said there will be strategic focus on reviewing and enhancing the Programme of...

Beverly Been of St. Andrew has been crowned the 2025 National Senior Spelling Bee champion. She topped the field of contestants during the competition’s staging on Wednesday (September 17) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, walking away with a cash prize of $50,000, a tablet computer and smartphone with credit, gift baskets, and a trophy. Placing second was...