As cultural and religious diversity flourishes in Jamaica, the need for workplaces to adapt and support the rights of all employees has never been more crucial. Beginning with a visionary push for labour market reforms in 1996, Jamaica's journey towards flexi-work has been paved with collaboration and thoughtful consideration. The Labour Market Reform Committee, led by Professor George Eaton, recognised...

At 102 years old, St. Thomas centenarian, Eliza Cooper, has a mind as sharp as a razor, and will mention in any conversation that it has been her faith in God that has helped her to sustain long life. The devout Christian, born on June 3, 1922, was visited by the Lyssons-based Sunshine Senior Citizens Club at her cozy home...

Jamaica's commitment to climate justice and social equity has been given a boost by the International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Just Transition Project. The Project is aimed at fostering a sustainable and equitable future for everyone by integrating climate justice with decent work principles, improving both the economy and the environment. Speaking with JIS News, Just Transition Officer and...

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to further improve the delivery of its services. Key among the programmed engagements is the development of a mobile app, for which a pilot commences on Friday (December 6), coinciding with the culmination of Disabilities Awareness Week 2024. The app will facilitate persons...

The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), in collaboration with the HEART College of Innovation and Technology, in St. James, hosted a training programme for 37 senior citizens, who are now digitally literate. The 10-week course was aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors by making them more technologically inclined. At the graduation ceremony, held recently at the...

Kemar Evans is closer to reuniting with his children under one roof after receiving grant assistance towards the restoration of his home under the Government’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative. The St. Mary resident’s house suffered significant damage during the July 3 hurricane, and his children have been staying with relatives since then. “The house was completely down… it was a disturbing...

Vulnerable families requiring assistance with school-related expenses for their children can apply to receive support through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Education and Social Intervention Grant. The grant is available to assist children whose regular attendance at school is affected by their parents’ or guardians’ inability to provide uniforms, schoolbooks and other basic needs. “So this one more...

Individuals or families seeking to undertake income-generating projects to improve their economic status, may receive assistance through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Rehabilitation Assistance Grant initiative. Through this programme, the Ministry provides a one-off grant of $85,000 to assist persons with small projects, so that they can provide for themselves and their families. Acting Director for Disaster, Rehabilitation...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been providing relief assistance to victims of natural or man-made disasters through its Emergency Assistance Grant. Under the initiative, persons receive a cash grant of $75,000 while also being provided with in-kind support, such as food, toiletries and bedding. Acting Director for Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management in the Ministry, Jacqueline Shepherd,...