Labour Ministry Commits to Workforce Recovery in the West

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is reaffirming its commitment to working with government agencies, training institutions and private-sector employers to expand employment opportunities and support workforce recovery in Western Jamaica.

Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Donovan Williams, has said that collaboration among stakeholders is critical to connecting jobseekers with available opportunities, developing relevant skills and strengthening the country’s productive capacity.

“Creating meaningful pathways to employment requires collaboration among government, employers, training institutions and other stakeholders,” he said.

Mr. Williams was addressing the Social Development Commission (SDC) Montego Bay Employment and Health Fair on October 26, at Sam Sharpe Square in St. James.

The two-day initiative, organised in partnership with the St. James Municipal Corporation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, brought together approximately 20 employers and government agencies to provide residents across Western Jamaica with access to employment opportunities, skills training and health services.

Mr. Williams commended the partnership, while expressing optimism that many of the persons attending would secure meaningful employment.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the fair was conceptualised as part of efforts to support economic recovery following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, especially on the hospitality sector.

He noted that the industry accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Montego Bay’s economic activity, with thousands of jobs lost following hotel closures and disruptions to hospitality operations.

Councillor Vernon said approximately 90 per cent of the hotels were expected to reopen by the end of October, with more properties returning to operation in early 2027, creating increased demand for workers.

“During that time, they will be needing their employees, so we decided that we’re going to pull on the populace now to have a job and health fair to ensure that they are properly equipped,” he said.

The Mayor noted that some displaced workers had ventured into entrepreneurship or found employment in other sectors following the hurricane, while the reopening and expansion of hotels would create additional opportunities for persons interested in returning to hospitality.

Councillor Vernon further noted that the HEART/NSTA Trust would also play an important role in equipping individuals with the skills needed to fill emerging vacancies and become more competitive in the employment market.

The health component of the fair was incorporated to address the cost of healthcare and provide residents with access to services, including National Health Fund (NHF) registration and medical screenings.

“A healthy population and a healthy workforce is a productive workforce and a productive population,” Mayor Vernon emphasised.

The initiative was welcomed by jobseeker Demetry Backriddan, who said he was encouraged by the range of employers represented.

“I like the turnout. I like that I have different places that I can really go in and have a chance at this,” he said.

Mr. Backriddan, who has been unemployed for approximately three months, said he is interested in pursuing a career in building construction and welcomed the opportunity to explore different options.

Meanwhile, the health component also attracted residents seeking assistance with healthcare access.

Dahdra McNaughton said she attended specifically to register for an NHF card, noting that she did not currently have health benefits because she was not employed in a traditional nine-to-five arrangement.

“To know that you are able to come here today, get registered, and to get the card at the same time, I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me,” she said.