Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden to Lead Initiative to Address Concerns with Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programmes

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is pleased to announce that Permanent Secretary Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden has accepted a two-year assignment, beginning in early September 2024, to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States.

This special assignment reflects the critical importance of the Overseas Employment Programmes to Jamaica’s labour force and the country’s international reputation.

Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden was carefully selected for this role, having demonstrated exceptional leadership at the Ministry for close to a decade.

Her expertise, administrative acumen, and understanding of the programmes make her the ideal choice for this assignment.

The Government’s Overseas Employment Programmes are a critical source of income for over 13,000 Jamaicans and their families.

PS Roberts Risden’s assignment to directly oversee these programmes will ensure that they maintain the highest quality of service to the Jamaican people.

In her new capacity, PS Roberts Risden will report directly to the Minister of Labour and Social Security, with a primary focus on securing the future of the Overseas Employment Programmes while expanding opportunities for Jamaican workers abroad.

She will also address key administrative functions to enhance and strengthen Jamaica’s overall overseas employment policy.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, in expressing his confidence in her appointment stated:

“PS Risden has been an exemplary leader within the Ministry. Her experience interacting with Jamaica’s bilateral and multilateral partners as well as her deep knowledge of the Overseas Employment Programmes makes her uniquely suited for this role. I am confident that under her leadership, these programmes will not only thrive but will also be expanded to new horizons, ensuring the continued success and well-being of Jamaican workers abroad.”

PS Roberts Risden also shared her thoughts on her new assignment:

“I am honoured to have been chosen for this critical role and I’m acutely aware of the current challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to working diligently to safeguard and secure the future of these programmes, while expanding them in ways that will benefit our workers and strengthen Jamaica’s global labour presence.”

Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden’s leadership of the special initiative will ensure that Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programmes continue to flourish, while protecting the interests of Jamaicans who seek opportunities abroad.