PNP urges gov’t to safeguard employees amid Port Management Securiy Ltd changes
KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) is expressing concern over the future of current employees of Port Management Security Limited (PMSL), as the government plans to subsume the agency under the Customs Department.
In a release, the Opposition said it has been alerted to actions indicating the termination of services of PMSL, which is a subsidiary of the Port Authority of Jamaica.
According to Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South, Fitz Jackson, the PMSL was created following the September 11 terrorist attack, and came into operation in 2005 with responsibility of intercepting arms, illicit drugs and other contrabands from entering the country through the seaports.
Jackson is raising concerns that with the integration of PMSL into the Jamaica Customs Department, and the solicitation of public applications, provisions have not been made for current employees.
“There appears to be a lack of provision for current employees who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness in their roles. The success in intercepting illegal goods was not solely due to the collaboration with the JCF and Jamaica Customs, but also owed greatly to the specialised skill set and professionalism of the PMSL team,” said Jackson.
As a result, the PNP says it is stressing the need for “transparency and fair processes to safeguard the interests of PMSL employees”.
“With many individuals having served for over two decades with impeccable records, it is imperative to explore options such as secondment arrangements to incorporate them into the Jamaica Customs Department without compromising operational integrity. Failing to consider the fate of these committed individuals would not only be unjust but also detrimental to the nation’s security efforts,” the release said.
The MP further urged the government to prioritise the welfare of the PMSL employees to ensure that restructuring measures are implemented with consideration for those affected.
“Penalising citizens for their effective service would undermine the integrity of our institutions and erode public trust,” Jackson stressed.
