As recovery efforts intensify across the island, Liaison Officers from the JLS and JCLO have been deployed to Jamaica to support the Ministry’s post-disaster assessment work. The teams are working across the parishes most affected by Melissa—conducting site visits, documenting losses, and verifying the needs of households connected to the Overseas Employment Programme.

Their presence adds a critical layer of support to the national relief operation, especially for families whose primary earners are abroad. Officers ensure that the Ministry has accurate information on damages, allowing assistance to be prioritised for the most severely affected groups.

Minister Pearnel Charles Jr underscored the significance of this deployment.
“These officers understand the realities of our workers and their families. Their involvement strengthens our response, improves accuracy, and ensures our workers abroad know that their loved ones are being supported.”

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden highlighted that the assessments reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to worker welfare.
“This programme extends beyond recruitment and placement. It is about safeguarding the wellbeing of workers and their families. Having officers on the ground helps us deliver a more equitable and efficient recovery process.”

The officers’ findings will guide the Ministry’s relief interventions and help coordinate with ODPEM and other partners to ensure that support reaches affected families as quickly as possible