STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT ON THE INCREASE IN THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE AND THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR INDUSTRIAL SECURITY GUARDS JANUARY 19, 2016 Mr. Speaker:  it is, indeed, a pleasure for me to be afforded this opportunity this afternoon to introduce in this honourable house the National Minimum Wage Order, 2016 and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards Order, 2016.  ...

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to address this Honourable House, once again, on the nation’s flagship Overseas Employment Programme, in particular, the pre-selection exercise planned by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for the Canadian Farm Work Programme to be held between August 10 -28, 2015.   NEW DIRECTION I propose to execute my address this...

In light of recent concerns raised in the public sphere about the issuance of work permits to workers from an overseas jurisdiction to operate as “specialist finishers” at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security advises that it administers at all times a rigorous work permit regime, with priority given to...

Statement by the Hon. Derrick Kellier, CD, MP, Minister of Labour, Social Security, Agriculture and Fisheries On the passing of Mrs. Syringa Marshall-Burnett, Former Chairman of the NCSC The late Syringa Marshall-Burnett ranks amongst the truly phenomenal women whose contribution of service helped to shape the character of modern Jamaica in the latter part of the 20th and early 21st...

Statement by the Hon. Derrick Kellier, CD, MP, Minister of Labour, Social Security, Agriculture and Fisheries   On the robbery at gunpoint of a female member of the community of persons with disabilities of her motorized wheelchair I join all well thinking Jamaicans in strongly condemning the recent robbery at gun point on Spanish Town Road - and in broad...

Mr. Speaker, it is said that “Disability is a matter of perception”; and I wish to begin my presentation this afternoon by declaring that I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I have the greatest and distinct pleasure of being able to stand here this afternoon, in this Parliament, in the land of my birth, to...

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to address this Honourable House in  the 2014-2015 Sectoral Debate in my capacity as Parliamentary Representative for the wonderful people of South St. James and a member of the Cabinet with portfolio responsibility for Labour and Social Security. In so doing, I wish to express profound thanks to the Almighty above for His...

Labour is the most important factor in production. It is the embodiment of the creativity, energy, enterprise and industry of the people. It is the human spirit and endeavour physically manifested in the wealth, goods and services produced for the enjoyment and advancement of society. The historical context of Jamaica is best described as the struggle of labour to be...