Country Commits to Advancing Digital Transformation In Social Protection Systems

By: Judith A. Hunter, March 26, 2026

Social Security

Country Commits to Advancing Digital Transformation In Social Protection Systems — Photo: contributed
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

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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 solutions aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.

He pointed out that digital transformation must be accompanied by deliberate investments in institutional capacity and citizen readiness.

“Our task is to develop integrated, scalable systems across government, while ensuring that our public officers and our citizens have the capacity to engage with and benefit from these platforms,” the Minister said.

He also engaged in a bilateral discussion with the Director of Management and Governance at Dataprev, Brazil’s Social Security Technology and Information Agency, following a presentation on digital governance.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., (right), with Ms. Cristina Mori, Director of Management and Governance at Dataprev, Brazil’s Social Security Technology and Information Agency, following her presentation on digital governance, at the International Social Security Association Regional Social Security Forum for the Americas, being held in São Paulo, Brazil.

The dialogue explored the operational realities and challenges of integrating technology into social protection frameworks, including system design, institutional constraints, and the experiences of beneficiaries navigating digital platforms. The Regional Forum facilitated knowledge exchange with regional counterparts, with the Minister noting that Jamaica continues to benefit from shared experiences across Latin America, as it strengthens its approach to digital transformation in the social protection space.

Jamaica’s participation in the Forum forms part of a broader strategy to modernise public service delivery. It reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening service delivery, expanding access to social protection, and ensuring that systems are designed to meet the needs of a modern and evolving labour market.

The ISSA Regional Social Security Forum for the Americas brings together policymakers, social security leaders, and international development partners to examine strategies for improving coverage, efficiency, and sustainability within social protection systems across the region. The forum ends on March 27.