Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts-Risden held multilateral talks in Florida with Consul General Oliver Mair and members of his team. The visit followed a series of strategic engagements during the recent high-level mission to the state. The discussions centred on strengthening overseas employment opportunities for Jamaicans, improving coordination with the Consulate, and expanding the network of reputable employers interested in recruiting through the JCLO.

The Permanent Secretary used the visit to review the current performance of Jamaican workers in Florida and to understand the specific skill sets employers are now seeking. Attention was placed on the hospitality, landscaping, caregiving, and support-services sectors, where demand for reliable labour continues to rise.

The Consulate facilitated introductions to several potential employers, allowing the delegation to present Jamaica’s track record of strong work ethic, consistent output, and low attrition rates. There was also dialogue around compliance, worker welfare, and the systems Jamaica has strengthened since Hurricane Melissa to ensure readiness and resilience for the upcoming seasons.

The overarching goal of the engagement is to diversify the opportunities available to Jamaican workers, deepen trust with existing partners, and position Jamaica as the premier labour source for Florida’s growing industries. This visit marks another step in broadening the country’s employer base and reinforcing the JCLO’s commitment to safe, structured, and upward-moving employment pathways for Jamaicans.