News Categories: Media Release

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Monday, July 12, 2021

Samuda to Tour US Farms

Minister of Labour & Social Security, the Honourable Karl Samuda left the island on Monday, July 12, 2021 for a tour of Farms in the United States where Jamaican Farmworkers are employed.

Minister Samuda will use the visit to meet with current and prospective employers to promote the Overseas Employment Programme, as he seeks to strengthen the existing relationships and create new opportunities for expansion and improvement of the Programme. Minister Samuda will also meet with officials from the US Government. The last ministerial visit of this nature was in August 2018.

Despite the setbacks associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic, approximately 4,500 workers travelled on the Programme to the United States in 2020. Since January this year, 2,928 Jamaican Farmworkers have left the island for temporary employment on farms in the United States.

Minister Samuda is scheduled to return to the island on July 17, 2021.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Samuda Appeals for World Leaders to Make Vaccines More Readily Available

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, is appealing to World Leaders, to make vaccines more readily available, so that developing countries can recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Limited access to vaccines by developing countries such as Jamaica and others in the Caribbean, means that the pace of our economic recovery will be slower and the negative impact on our people will continue,” Samuda explained.

“Poorer countries like Jamaica are forced to use harsh non-vaccine measures to contain the spread of the virus. I am therefore calling on the World Leaders to work diligently to assist developing countries to improve access to vaccines,” Samuda said while speaking at the 109th session of the International Labour Organization Conference in Geneva today.

Minister Samuda said that, “despite the socio-economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, the government has been doing its part to assist business operators and the most vulnerable in the society to recover from the pandemic.”

“The government provided tax incentives to mitigate against the fallout, particularly to the micro, small and medium size entities, resulting in the return of $1 Billion to employers and $10 Billion was spent on implementing a social economic programme called the CARE programme,” Samuda added.

The Minister also stated that the government has been working on initiatives with the ILO’s Regional Office in Trinidad & Tobago to provide social protection and decent work for the people of Jamaica.

“Increase productivity will translate into higher profit for firms, higher wages for labour, higher revenue for government and lower cost for consumers.”

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Samuda Makes Plea for Productivity to be Prioritized across all Sectors

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda is making an impassioned plea for all Jamaicans to take productivity seriously, so that the country can become more efficient and have sustainable growth and development.

“Productivity is everybody’s business, therefore, we should all seek to prioritize productivity across all sectors, industries, firms and in our daily lives.”

“At the core of productivity is efficiency, and the more efficient we are with our labour, investments and natural resources, the more Jamaica can produce,” Samuda said during the World Productivity Day forum hosted by the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) under theme “National Pathway toward Resilient and Sustainable Productivity Improvement.”

His message was delivered by Collin Turner, Senior Director of Technical Assistance Service Unit at the JPC.

“We are at a pivotal point where we must actively seek to implement transformative initiatives to have long lasting productivity gains. The JPC will be exploring how to automate agro-processing to improve the quantity and quality of our agricultural products.”

He said that “agro-processing can improve agricultural productivity by reducing post-harvest losses, diversifying the rural economy, improving food security, providing employment opportunities among other things.”

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr Wayne Henry agrees with Minister Samuda and said that all is set to benefit if there is an increase in productivity in Jamaica.

“Increase productivity will translate into higher profit for firms, higher wages for labour, higher revenue for government and lower cost for consumers.”

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, May 28, 2021

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Partners with WFP to Bring Relief to the Elderly

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has donated 11,339 Food packages and 30 tablets valued at just over a $US1.06M to the Government of Jamaica. The items which were handed over to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, forms part of the Government’s Covid 19 Care Programmeto assist vulnerable households and in particular the elderly.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Honorable Karl Samuda in expressing his appreciation said that the donation will enhance the Government’s effort to reduce the impact of Covid 19 on the food security of the most vulnerable. Minister Samuda explained that Jamaica is fighting to decrease infection rates within the county, with the elderly population being the most affected and more vulnerable to succumbing to the virus. One of the most crucial strategies for curbing the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home. “I recognize that this is a challenge when one needs to go out in search of food, medicine and other necessities. The Ministry’s food distribution programme aim to meet the food and nutritional needs of our Senior Citizens and other vulnerable persons to ensure that we can keep them safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, WFP representative in Jamaica Ms Sara Netzer, said that regional findings across three CARICOM COVID-19 Food Security and Livelihoods Impact Survey, administered by WFP over the last year revealed significant job loss, increasing food prices and poorer food consumption overall. The impact has been felt more severely as time goes on, particularly for the poorest households.

Mr. Regis Chapman, Regional Representative for WFP in Barbados, pointed out that the provision of access to food as well as technical and logistical support is paramount during times of crisis; and the pandemic is no exception.

He explained, Jamaica has significant experience in using social protection in a disaster context. The Government and people of Jamaica are, therefore, in the prime position to further strengthen their response capacities through this partnership”.

This current partnership between the Ministry of Labour Social Security and WFP to support the national COVID-19 response, builds on key lessons learnt in the past, to navigate this unprecedented period in the nation’s history.

 Honourable Karl Samuda, (C)Minister of Labour & Social Security, along with Colette Roberts Risden, (R) Permanent Secretary and Miss Suzette Morris, (L) Director of Social Security received food items from Sara Netzer, (1st right) Programme Policy Officer of the World Food Programme to assist Senior Citizens.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Labour Ministry Advises Employers To Follow Labour Laws & Disaster Risk Management Protocols

It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that workers are concerned by memos purportedly issued by employers mandating that they be vaccinated or
otherwise be asked to resign.

While the Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging persons to be vaccinated against the Covid 19 virus, vaccination remains a personal choice.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is therefore advising workers to refer to the Labour Division any action taken by an employer against them that may be deemed prejudicial to their
reluctance to being vaccinated.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Samuda Express Great Sadness at the Passing of Jamaica’s Supercentenarian, Stephen Wright

Minister of Labour & Social Security, Karl Samuda said he is saddened at the passing of Jamaica’s oldest supercentenarian, Stephen Wright. Mr. Wright died peacefully at his home in Sanguinette, Clarendon on Saturday, April 3, 2021. According to Minister Samuda, Jamaica is blessed to have another supercentenarian attaining the age of 115 years after our longest living centenarian in the world, Violet Mosse-Brown who died in 2017 at the age of 117 years old and created history for Jamaica.

Mr. Wright was an ardent Christian who lived a selfless life and served his community well. He worked in the capacity of a District Constable in the earlier years of his career. He also travelled to the United States as a farm worker and was a veteran who fought in World War 11. His family members recalled him as one who loved people especially children and throughout his life he was generous. He has always accredited his longevity to Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth.”

He was born on August 24, 1905 in St. Elizabeth to parents Estella Simpson-Wright and David Wright. He was the first of twenty (20) siblings of which two brothers and a sister is alive. He was married to Alvira McDonald and their union produced nine (9) children of which two predeceased him and seven are alive, his wife predeceased him in 1992. A supercentenarian is a person who has reached the age of 110 years or older.

“The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s, National Council for Senior Citizens salutes an extraordinary citizen and commends his contribution to nation building. We extend sincere condolences to his family, friends and community,” Minister Samuda says.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, January 11, 2021

Samuda Condemns Robbery of Trade Centre Building for the Visually Impaired

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda is expressing disappointment and shock at reports of Saturday morning’s robbery of the Creative Craft Plus building on Hanover Street in Kingston.

Minister Samuda is publicly condemning this act of criminality and heartless behavior, “this form of criminal behaviour is not just callous, but a blatant attack on the disabled community who are among the most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Samuda said.

He is therefore calling on persons to come forward and give information to the police so that those responsible can be held accountable for their actions.

The trade centre, which employs and trains persons who are blind and visually impaired, specialises in chair caning as well as wicker furniture making and repair.

In the meantime, Minister Samuda is urging members of society to reach out to persons among us with disabilities show care and support where possible.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, January 15, 2021

Thieves Target Ministry of Labour In Cheque Fraud

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is warning merchants, to be on the lookout for fraudulent cheques purportedly being drawn on its account.

According to Public Relations & Communications Director, Vando Palmer, persons have been going around to various businesses, purchasing items and attempting to pay by cheques, drawn on the Ministry’s account. Mr. Palmer says, these cheques are small amounts of up to JMD $40,000.00 and are fraudulent. Merchants and business owners are therefore being urged not to encash any cheque without proper verification by the Ministry because they will not be able to recover their money.

He said the Ministry’s accounting system is designed to identify any such cheque drawn on its account that is not in keeping with its sequencing number.

For verification, merchants should call 876-922-0507 or 876-922-0257.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, December 7, 2020

Covid 19 Labour Market Task Force Gets off the Ground

The government has responded to calls from employers and employees to address issues affecting the Labour Market in light of the Covid19 pandemic. Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda, has assembled a strong team of experts in a task force to address the issue. Speaking to the group at its first meeting on Monday, Minister Samuda, outlined the scope of work and said he is expects to receive the first Report by the end of February next year.

It will examine the Labour Market implications; legislative and policy, provide legislative and or policy recommendations to the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) chaired by the Minister and provide recommendations to address the immediate impact of Covid19 pandemic.

Meanwhile Chairman of the Covid 19 Labour Market Task Force, Professor Neville Ying, said the Task Force must contextualize its objectives in light of the impact of Covid19 globally and on Jamaica, including critical areas such as business closures and job losses.

He told members of the Task Force that thousands of job positions have been made redundant since the arrival of COVID19 and that Jamaica’s economy is projected to decline by 11% even as the flow of Remittances remain steady.

In outlining the framework for the work to be done by the Task Force, Professor Ying said, the tenets of the International Labour Organization (ILO), must guide its deliberations. It must be Evidence and Rules based and maximize the power and value of Social Dialogue. The ILO tools of Core Labour Standards, Decent Work Agenda and Conventions and Recommendations will also be utilized as important points of reference.

The erstwhile Professor, gave the clearest indication that the approach of the Task Force will be a global one, as it focuses on Job Creation and Employment, synchronized Financing by International Development Institutions for Developing Countries and major strategies for Job Creation and Employment viz-a-viz Infrastructure Development such as urgent attention to our

damaged network of roads, resulting from the recent effects of the outer bands of hurricanes, Digital Infrastructure for internet access in all communities rural and urban across Jamaica.

The Task force will also focus on the importance of the Future Work Place that will be technology driven, with primarily digital and home-based work. This will require urgent changes in the roles of Tripartite members i.e. Employer, Trade Unions and Government. The Future Workplace will also require key competencies for employees and employers and a new concept and practice of life-long learning. The Task Force, which is a sub-set of the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) that is chaired by Labour and Social Security Minister, Karl Samuda.

It comprises of:

· Professor Neville Ying (Chairman)

· Granville Valentine (NWU)

· Clifton Grant (UAWU)

· David Wan (JEF)

· Cheryl Price (JEF)

· Wayne Chen (Caribbean Employers Federation)

· Deidra Coy (Planning Institute of Jamaica)

· Donavon Wignall (MSME) and Donna Evelyn (Jamaica Council of Churches)

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

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Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Minister Samuda endorses Dr. Floyd Morris’ nomination as candidate to the UNCRPD

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda, has assured Dr Floyd Morris that he fully endorses his nomination as candidate to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) for the 2021-2024 period.

“When you look at your history and resume, as well as the things you have done over the years, you can rest assured that I am fully behind him,” Samuda said.

Minister Samuda was speaking during a courtesy call by Dr Morris, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Kingston on Tuesday.

Minister Samuda further stated that the other candidates will have to come good to beat him based on his list of accomplishments.

Dr Morris has served as State Minister and President of the Senate. He successfully completed his PhD in 2017, and continues to work and advocate on the behalf of the disability community.

Dr. Morris who is visually impaired, said that if elected as a member of the Committee, he will build on the existing foundation of the UNCRPD, to assist Members States in reconditioning their thinking and attitudes towards persons with disabilities, in order to see them as capable of making decisions for their own lives and contributing to national development.

“It is about pushing the disabilities agenda. We recognize that a significant portion of persons with disabilities are excluded from the labour force and this has a negative impact on a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We need to get them integrated into society so that they can get meaningful employment,” Dr Morris explained.

The elections of candidates for the UNCRPD will take place on Monday, November 30, 2020.  The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the body of independent experts which monitors implementation of the Convention by the States Parties.

 Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Karl Samuda (left), Jamaica’s nominee candidate to the United Nation Committee on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Floyd Morris (centre), State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zavia Mayne greet each other during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Tuesday.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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