KINGSTON, Jamaica —The country’s over 100,000 government workers are to benefit from cash rewards at select private sector establishments through the ‘Team Jamaica Valucard’ programme.

The initiative, launched at the Super Shoppers Fair complex on Washington Boulevard on Friday, will see civil servants being rewarded with cash back benefits whenever they use the card to access goods and services at any of the participating merchants.

The programme, facilitated by the Government, arose out of collaboration between the private sector and the unions representing civil servants, to show appreciation and support to the workers, who agreed to a three-year wage freeze, as part of Jamaica’s economic reform programme.

The wage restraint has now been lifted, with workers receiving a seven per cent salary increase for the 2015/17 contract period.

The valucards are being issued to workers through the human resource department of their respective ministries, departments, and sgencies.

A total of 45,000 have already been delivered, with another 70,000 to be distributed over the forthcoming weeks. The cards are used primarily for the purchase of groceries and other consumer items, as well as to pay health care and utility bills.

Private sector entities already a part of the Team Jamaica Valucard initiative include: Progressive Grocers stores and the Shopper’s Fair chain; Tastee Patties; WISYNCO; Lasco; Fontana Pharmacy; Mailpac; Bert’s Auto; and Digicel.

Over 1,500 merchants islandwide are expected to be recruited and equipped to participate in the programme.

ePayment Group Limited is a diversified technology-driven organisation established three years ago, to provide processing and transaction capabilities for magnetic strip-enabled cards, mobile wallet, gift, and loyalty solutions.