KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move for labor development, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has formally established a collaborative framework with the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) through a signed Statement of Intent. The ceremonial signing occurred during the opening of HRMAJ’s 45th Annual Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday, with Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr and Acting Permanent Secretary Dione Jennings representing the government.
Minister Charles Jr emphasized the agreement transcends symbolic gesture, representing a concrete commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperative action. He highlighted the aligned objectives between the ministry’s mandate and the association’s mission, noting their “shared goals and mutual obligations” toward national workforce development.
“Our ministry recognizes the strategic value of this partnership,” Charles Jr stated. “We will continue establishing policy frameworks and regulatory standards while HRMAJ equips organizations with professionals, knowledge, and tools for effective implementation.”
The minister contextualized the partnership within global workforce transformations, stressing the urgency for flexible, competitive labor markets. He envisioned the collaboration as instrumental in advancing Jamaica’s workforce readiness amid evolving economic demands.
From the association’s perspective, HRMAJ Vice President Michael McAnuff-Jones characterized the agreement as historic for the human resources profession. The partnership positions Jamaica to become the Caribbean’s first nation with government-supported HR regulation, joining jurisdictions like Canada, South Africa, and parts of Europe.
McAnuff-Jones revealed the initiative will involve self-regulation mechanisms centered on a revised code of ethics modeled after the United Kingdom’s standards. He expressed gratitude for ministerial support in advancing professionalization efforts that promise to elevate HR practices nationwide.