KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Labour and Social Security Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has emphasised the important role which the ministry must play in advancing the Government’s growth agenda.

“This ministry must be seen, not only as one that will respond to disasters or as a farm workers’ ministry. My intention is to bring to the public the role (we will play) in the context of an economic ministry,” he added.

The minister was addressing staff during a recent familiarization visit to the Ministry’s Portland parish office, in Port Antonio.

Dr Ferguson highlighted several activities, including legislative engagements, which are integral to fulfilling the stated goal.

Notable among these, he said, is the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, “that I expect to come to Parliament soon.”

The Minister said the proposed Act “is very important,” as it relates to the health and safety of workers, particularly on construction sites and in factories.

Dr Ferguson also highlighted the Ministry’s work to advance legislation in relation to discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS, in the workplace, pointing out that “it is geared towards reducing the stigma against these vulnerable groups.”

Regarding Parliament’s passage of the Sexual Harassment Act earlier this year, The Minister said while the Ministry did not pilot this piece of legislation, it was nonetheless a “critical part of the labour movement.”

“Our Ministry responds before birth and after death. Therefore, you as workers must see yourselves in the context of being an important part of Government,” he told the workers.

Dr Ferguson praised the Portland parish office’s response in assisting 150 families who were affected by flood rains in early December.

The staff’s intervention, in collaboration with several other key public and private stakeholders, resulted in the Ministry’s provision of approximately $2.21 million in relief assistance for 126 families who were assessed for damage and losses incurred during the December 2 flood rains.

The Portland parish office will, this week, commence distribution of cheques which have been prepared for the victims.

Dr. Ferguson further advised that assessments are “still ongoing” in relation to the remaining families.

The Minister also toured several of the 14 affected communities, where he met with the residents.

The visit to Portland by Dr Ferguson, who was recently appointed Labour and Social Security Minister, was part of a series of familiarization meetings with staff of the Ministry’s agencies and offices at the parish level.

Dr Ferguson has already visited offices in Trelawny and St Thomas.