The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been providing help to persons in need of speedy assistance, through its Compassionate Assistance Grant. The grant, valued at $75,000, is available to individuals who are unable access assistance under any other scheme, and should not have insurance coverage. Acting Director for Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management in the Ministry, Jacqueline Shepherd,...

The Government has remained steadfast in its commitment to implementing policies that promote social cohesion, reduce inequality, and enhance the quality of life for all Jamaicans. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the Government cannot afford to sacrifice the well-being of the most disadvantaged citizens in the pursuit of short-term gains. “We must uphold our responsibility to...

The Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) is being hailed by a former beneficiary for “levelling the playing field”. PhD Candidate, Jordon Freeman, was presented with the PATH Trailblazer Award by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, during the 2024 PATH Top Achiever’s Awards Ceremony on April 11. The event was held at the Spanish Court Hotel...

The Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) will be undertaking several initiatives aimed at enhancing workforce productivity and the local economy’s competitiveness. These include a public awareness campaign to educate employers and employees about the benefits of improved productivity, and the implementation of a Productivity Ambassador Programme. Chief Technical Director (CTD) at the JPC, Tamar Nelson, tells JIS News that productivity is...

Stakeholders have endorsed the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) National Poverty Reduction Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) Toolkit, which was launched on March 21. The toolkit is intended to build the capacity of poverty reduction stakeholders, strengthen service delivery to the poor and vulnerable, and increase partnership, collaboration and information sharing. Director of the Programme of Advancement through Health and...

The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has been a crucial safety net, impacting the lives of 350,000 beneficiaries from almost 130,000 families across Jamaica. Among the beneficiaries is Zackarie Campbell, a university student who lives in Portmore Pines in St. Catherine, who has been on PATH since childhood. “PATH has always been a part of my journey....

In the face of societal barriers, the Disabilities Act (2014) is an important tool in ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) have equal rights, access and opportunities as other citizens. The legislation, which came into effect on February 14, 2022, stands as a testament to the commitment by Government to safeguard and enhance the welfare of the disabled community. It...

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) provides a range of pensions and benefits to contributors of all ages and circumstances. The Scheme is funded by taxpayers through compulsory National Insurance contributions and is the source from which pensions and other benefits are paid. All persons between the ages of 18 and 70 who earn an income are required to be registered...

The spending power of Jamaicans at various levels of the economic spectrum has been increased by virtue of several government programmes and policies over the last three years.   The Government has increased the national minimum wage, reviewed the compensation packages of public-sector workers, increased rates for National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners and introduced a new pension programme.   The latest measure...