Labour Minister Says Government is Committed to Fostering an Inclusive Workforce

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive workforce.

Addressing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Positive Pathways Private Sector Forum, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on April 23, he said it is critical to partner, discuss and deliberate on ways to offer at-risk youth employment, hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

“We are focused now on ensuring that these at-risk youth are seen as untapped potential – a reservoir of talent that is waiting for us to discover – and so by providing them with opportunities for gainful employment, for mentorship and for support, it is expected that we’re going to transform their lives and also transform the communities that they come from,” the Minister said.

The USAID Positive Pathways supports 12 communities across Kingston, St. Andrew, Clarendon, St. James, and St. Catherine.

It targets families to prevent youth violence through activities such as school-safety programmes, parenting interventions, conflict-resolution sessions, life skills training, psychosocial support, literacy training, technical and vocational training, business and entrepreneurship training, career counselling and job-placement assistance.

The forum, held under the theme ‘Partnering to build a more inclusive and equitable society’, provided private-sector organisations with the opportunity to collaborate and explore employment solutions.

Mr. Charles Jr. commended the USAID for spearheading the initiative and for its dedication to empowering youth.

“The private sector has a vital role to play. The private sector has the responsibility and ability to really shape the future of opportunities for youth and explore the discussions around leveraging financial incentives and challenging the stigma connected to at-risk youth, which is a big problem in labour. We still have too many persons who have to be modifying their [addresses on their] résumé,” he said.

In her remarks, USAID Jamaica Acting Country Representative, Pamela Foster, noted that there are challenges involved with hiring and retaining at-risk youth.

“I’m thrilled that this forum has brought together some of the major players within the private sector who have the shared vision of providing opportunities for youth. We can work together to address these short-term challenges, because we know the potential for the long-term societal benefits of building resilient and productive livelihoods across the social spectrum,” she said.

Positive Pathways is a five-year, US$15-million activity, which commenced in July 2020 and is scheduled to conclude in June 2025.