Charles Says Overseas Employment Climbing

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has placed 11,147 Jamaican workers in overseas jobs since the start of the year.

Providing a breakdown of the figures, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, said that 3,500 persons were placed in the US farm work programme; 1,024 in the US hospitality work programme; 6,380 in the Canadian farm work programme; and 243 others were recruited for Canada.

Mr. Charles was speaking at a press conference at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston, Friday (September 23).

He said that the employment opportunities were secured in traditional areas, such as farm work and seafood packaging, and increasing opportunities were also being found in non-traditional areas, such as construction, hospitality and healthcare.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter