Several stakeholders

have welcomed the impending implementation of the Tourism Workers’ Pension

Scheme by the Government.

The initiative,

being piloted by the Ministry of Tourism, is a defined contributory plan

supported by legislation, and will require mandatory contributions by workers

and employers.

It will cover all

workers, aged 18 to 59, whether permanent, contract or self-employed. Benefits

will be payable at age 65 years or older. The scheme is programmed for rollout

in 2020.

A number of persons, including raftsmen, airport bag handlers, and contract workers, who have spent most of their lives working in the industry, say the scheme is nothing short of “historic” while calling it a victory for work relations in Jamaica.

Ocho Rios craft

trader Milton Scott says he was initially skeptical when the Scheme was first

proposed, noting “I thought it was wishful thinking.” However, he now anticipates

that the scheme’s introduction will make a big difference, and mark the start

of “good days for the little man”.

For his part,

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett describes the pension scheme as a “signature

accomplishment” for the industry, and general work relations in Jamaica.