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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s care package distribution supplies have been boosted thanks to Seprod Group of Companies and the Seprod Foundation with a donation of food items valued at over $5 million.

During the handing over exercise held at the Ministry’s warehouse facility in Kingston last Wednesday (April 29, 2020), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Colette Roberts Risden, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the Ministry for the donation received.

“As you know the Ministry has been out there from day one. We started in Bull Bay by providing care packages to those in quarantine but, as time goes by and COVID continues we know the needs are expanding,” the Permanent Secretary said.

Mrs Risden further noted that the food supplies donated will go a far way in enabling the Ministry’s response to persons in need.

Chief Executive Officer at the Seprod Group of Companies, Mr Richard Pandohie, says that the Seprod Group and Seprod Foundation is pleased to partner with the Government as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security does the Nation’s business of feeding Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens.

 “We applaud the work of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and we want as good corporate citizens to be here for the Jamaican people as we go through this most difficult time,” he said.

Mr Pandohie added, “This is a collective effort and we all have to come together, we see the government doing the care programme but as private sector companies, we also have to step up”.

Milk, flour, cooking oil, cornmeal, and sardine are just a few among the list of items handed over by the Seprod Group of Companies.

As at April 28, approximate 8, 500 families have benefitted from the Ministry’s care distribution since the coronavirus outbreak in Jamaica. Packages are distributed house to house using our Social Security staff cadre of over 600 and volunteers including persons from Food for the Poor, The Jamaica Red Cross, Salvation Army, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and other Community and Faith Based Organizations.

In observance of social distancing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden (right) extends symbolic gesture of gratitude to Seprod Group CEO, Mr Richard Pandohie (left) at the hand over exercise held on Wednesday, April 29, at the Ministry’s warehouse facility in Kingston.

Food items valued at over $5 million donated by Seprod Group to Ministry of Labour and Social Security being unloaded at the Ministry’s warehouse facility in Kingston on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

Seprod Group CEO, Mr Richard Pandohie (2nd left) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden (2nd right) along with Chief Technical Director for Social Security, Mrs Audrey Deer Williams (1st Right) and Director of Social Security in the Ministry, Miss Suzette Morris (1st Left) shared a moment at the hand over exercise held on Wednesday, April 29, at the Ministry’s warehouse facility in Kingston.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Return of Government sponsored Hospitality Workers

Friday, March 27, 2020

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Shahine Robinson says all Jamaican hospitality workers who left for the United States, as part of the Government’s overseas employment programme have now returned to the island.

According to Minister Robinson, “approximately five hundred and fifty workers returned over the past week, all of our workers are accounted for and are looking forward to returning as soon as it is safe to do so. Additionally, it should be mentioned that upon arrival in Jamaica no worker presented with symptoms of CoVID 19. However, in an abundance of caution and in keeping with the instructions from the Ministry of Health, all are presently in self-quarantine at home.”

The Jamaican hospitality workers were primarily employed in Michigan, Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, in occupations such as chefs, servers, front desk personnel bartenders, house keepers, laundry attendants, landscapers, maintenance workers, drivers among others.

The novel corona virus pandemic has affected most countries around the world with thousands of fatalities. The economic fallout has been significant. The local hospitality sector is reeling from the shock, but Minister Robinson is optimistic that in the true Jamaican spirit of resilience, determination and perseverance our labour market will rebound and be restored to its former success.

“We are a strong nation and when our people bond together in the face of adversities and challenges, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Presently, we are doing much better in handling this pandemic than many developed nations and we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. As long as we practice safe and healthy routines and lifestyles, adhere to the laws, advisories and medical precautions, we will triumph in the end.”

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484 / Fax: (876) 948-2831

Circulation of Fake News

Friday, March 27, 2020

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security wishes to advise the Public that fake whatsapp messages and emails have been circulating regarding the distribution of food packages to Persons with Disabilities. We ask persons to desist from circulating this message.

It is unfortunate that in these serious times persons are choosing to misinform our clients. The Ministry of Labour & Social Security through the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, (JCPD) is committed to the welfare of the most vulnerable persons in the society.

The JCPD notes with concern the high vulnerability of persons with disabilities in this time and encourages persons with disabilities and their families to follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the prevention and control of the spread of the virus.

We urge persons with disabilities to take action to reduce their exposure. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently, do not touch face, eyes, nose or month and avoid public gatherings.

The Ministry encourages families and communities to look out for our people with disabilities and extend care and support where necessary.

To validate advisories, you may contact the Public Relations Unit at 876-967-5484 or visit our website at www.mlss.gov.jm.

A Message brought to you by the Ministry of Labour & Social Security.

-End-

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Ministry of Labour and Social Security provides support to families of quarantined communities

KINGSTON, Jamaica. March 18, 2020. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security completed its third day of distributing welfare package to the families in the quarantined communities of 7 Miles Bull Bay.

The Ministry began its relief effort on Saturday, March 14, 2020. To date, a total of 900 welfare packages containing basic food supplies, toiletries and personal care items have been distributed to residents in the restricted areas. The Jamaica Red Cross has been assisting the Ministry with the packaging of supplies.

The Ministry has been working closely with Food for the Poor Jamaica, who made a large donation of relief items. Members of the Private Sector Organization (PSOJ) have also made donations to assist the Ministry to respond to the needs of the families.

In an official media briefing held at Jamaica House last Wednesday, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security disclosed that there are some challenges on the ground, “we do have a number families who want to abuse the system and want to get multiple packages of food,” she said.

Mrs. Risden further added, “we do have enough and the team will be going out tomorrow (March 19) again to continue distribution to any family who did not receive and to also go back to the first set of families who received on Saturday.”

The Ministry of Labour and Social continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other stakeholders in providing relief to the restricted communities throughout the period of quarantine.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday March 13, 2020

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security implores persons with disabilities to take special care at this time in safeguarding your health from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19).

Persons with disabilities and caregivers are advised to wash or sanitize hands frequently and avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth. Follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the prevention and control of the spread of the virus.

The Ministry urges families and communities to look out for our PWDs and extend care and support where necessary.

A message from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday March 11, 2020

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security regrets to advise the Public that all Health Fairs that were planned by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) have been cancelled. The Health Fairs were scheduled to be held on March 17, 2020 at the Anglican Church Hall, Port Maria and on April 2, 2020 at the Folly Oval Sports Complex, Port Antonio.

The cancellations are in response to recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and in an effort to reduce the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security notes with concern the reports from health officials that older persons are at higher risk. Senior Citizens and their families are encouraged to follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the prevention and control of the spread of the virus. We urge Senior to take action to reduce their exposure. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently, do not touch face, eyes, nose or mouth and avoid public gatherings.

Seniors are encouraged to have adequate supplies such as food, water, blood pressure and diabetes medications, in the event you need to remain at home.

The Ministry encourages families and communities to look out for our Senior Citizens and extend care and support where necessary.

A Message brought to you by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday March 11, 2020

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security is encouraging all Employers and Business Operators to explore options for extending their services remotely to customers. This move is recommended as a precautionary measure to safeguard customers and workers to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID 19).

Employers are also encouraged to make use of the provision under the Employment (Flexible Work Arrangements), Act 2014.

We all have a responsibility, let us work together to promote a healthy and safe environment.

A message from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday March 11, 2020

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is imploring Employers to allow workers the necessary period of absence and/or quarantine if required.

This privilege should be extended even beyond the provisions under the Holidays with Pay Act.

We all have a responsibility to prevent the spread of the novel corona virus (COVID 19).

A message from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday March 11, 2020

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security is encouraging all Employers and Business Operators to take the necessary steps to protect workers from the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19).

Employers are urged to provide workers with the appropriate tools and information needed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Keep abreast of the guidelines and instructions provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

We all have a responsibility, let us work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

A message from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, January 13, 2020

U.S Agriculture & Hospitality Programme Workers to Receive Award for Long-Standing Service

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Shahine Robinson, MP will be awarding over 40 workers for their long-standing service to the US Agricultural Farmwork and Hospitality Programmes offered through the Ministry.

The award ceremony which is slated for Thursday, January 23, 2020 will be held at the Melia Braco Village Resort in Trelawny.

The Agricultural & Hospitality Programmes seek to address the shortage of labour in these two sectors in the United States.

Ministry data indicates that the first batch of Jamaican Farm Workers arrived in the United States some 77 years ago in May 1943. In that same year, more than 11,000 Jamaican men were employed in the US and were distributed throughout 14 states, including Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, and New Jersey and in New York. By 1945 almost 33,000 Jamaicans were employed in 38 of the 48 States.

Contact: Public Relations Unit

Tel: (876) 967-5484 Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm