Labour Minister Calls on Church to Support the Disabled

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, is calling on the church to demonstrate appropriate behaviour towards the disabled and other vulnerable groups in their congregations, thereby spreading the message about their inclusion and integration in the society.

Mr. Kellier made his appeal at the 55^th annual conference of the Jamaica District of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship, which was held at the St. John’s Methodist Church in Montego Bay on Sunday, July 20. The conference theme was: ‘We all have this ministry: to rise and build’.

The Minister underscored the need for the church to play a more “forceful role” in nation building, by partnering with Government in the delivery of assistance and interventions to the vulnerable groups in society, mainly the youth, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

He urged church leaders to articulate concerns about the aged and issues that affect their lives and encourage Jamaicans to prepare for their future.

“I plead for your support in our efforts to get employers to remit National Insurance Scheme contributions (and other statutory deductions) for workers. Use your platform to call on self-employed persons – inside and outside your assembly – to contribute to the National Insurance Scheme,” he implored.

In the interactive session following Minister Kellier’s address, President of the Jamaica Methodist District, Rev. Everald Galbraith, assured him of the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches’ (JUGC) desire to endorse government’s Flexible Work Arrangement Bill.

However, this is predicated on dialogue and the Church’s input, prior to the passage of the Bill into law, Rev. Galbraith said.

The Government expects to start debating the Bill by September, Minister Kellier said.