Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, CD
Permanent Secretary
Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden has long been recognised as a visionary leader, renowned for her dedication to public service, meticulous attention to detail, and resolute commitment to national development. Appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on 1 January 2015, she has played an instrumental role in shaping Jamaica’s social development and labour policies, ensuring that the nation’s workforce and vulnerable populations are supported by progressive, well-structured initiatives.
Her career in public service began in 1993 as a Supervisor Cartographer at the Statistical Institute of Jamaica. In 1997, she further honed her expertise as a Research Fellow at the Management Institute for National Development, deepening her knowledge of policy formulation and strategic governance. She joined the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in January 2000 as Director of Public Assistance, was later promoted to Director of Social Security in 2007, and in January 2011, transitioned to the Office of the Prime Minister as Chief Technical Director.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Roberts Risden has been a driving force behind transformative social policies. Her leadership in designing and implementing the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH)—Jamaica’s flagship social protection programme—has not only impacted thousands of lives but has also garnered international recognition as a model for effective social safety nets.
In September 2024, she embarked on a two-year special assignment, assuming strategic leadership and oversight of Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States. This new mandate reflects the pivotal role these programmes play in the lives of over 13,000 Jamaican workers and their families, serving as a critical economic pillar while bolstering Jamaica’s global workforce presence. Reporting directly to the Minister of Labour and Social Security, she is tasked with expanding employment opportunities, fortifying programme structures, and ensuring Jamaica’s overseas labour policies remain forward-thinking and resilient.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., expressed his unwavering confidence in her ability to lead this initiative:
“PS Risden has been a pillar of excellence within the Ministry. Her extensive experience in engaging Jamaica’s bilateral and multilateral partners, coupled with her deep institutional knowledge of the Overseas Employment Programmes, makes her the ideal choice for this role. I have no doubt that under her leadership, these programmes will not only be sustained but will flourish, unlocking new avenues for Jamaican workers to thrive on the international stage.”
Reflecting on this new chapter, Mrs. Roberts Risden shared her vision:
“I am honoured to take on this vital responsibility at such a crucial time. I fully recognise both the challenges and the vast potential that lie ahead. My commitment is to strengthen and expand these programmes, ensuring that they continue to uplift Jamaican workers while reinforcing our nation’s reputation as a source of skilled, reliable labour across the globe.”
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mrs. Roberts Risden holds a BA (Honours) in Geography and Economics and an MSc in Development Studies from the Consortium Graduate School. Her passion for modernisation, transformation, and inclusive economic development continues to drive her efforts, ensuring that Jamaica’s domestic and international labour strategies remain innovative, adaptive, and impactful for generations to come.
