Warning of growing digital deception, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has expressed concern about a growing wave of digital misinformation surrounding his ministry’s hurricane relief efforts.

Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, Charles Jr charged that several videos with his voice and image have been manipulated.

“I have seen myself integrated into so many videos now with voices that sound more like me than how I sound right now, [and] that it is scary. From farm work videos to now relief and recovery videos to
WhatsApp messages about grants going out from the Ministry of Labour,” said Charles Jr.

According to the minister, this kind of digital impersonation is deeply troubling as much of the disinformation appears intended to take advantage of those most vulnerable.

“One of the challenges that come with the benefit of social media and the Internet and artificial intelligence is that you still have individuals who manipulate the good tools in a bad way…to mislead persons who are doing well, persons who are trying to survive now,” added Charles Jr.

According to the minister, misleading content has gone as far as impersonating his identity in Government announcements — falsely promising relief funds, or implying that official aid distribution is being handled through social-media platforms like WhatsApp.

He warned that such deception can undermine public trust at a crucial time.

“If you’re misled, you might put yourself into issues that we want you to be guarded from,” said Charles Jr as he pointed out that some people may be discouraged from seeking real help or resort to dangerous informal mechanisms.

The Labour and Social Security Ministry has also clarified a number of specific rumours independently.

In a recent press release it denied claims that people are required to present identification or Taxpayer Registration Numbers to collect hurricane relief packages.

According to the ministry, “No documentation is required to access any food or hygiene packages distributed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.”

It noted that its relief operation is being run in partnership with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), parish disaster coordinators, and volunteers, with logistical support from the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Charles Jr said that, in his experience, the misinformation is slowing down the ministry’s efforts and sowing confusion among those truly in need.

He also pointed to a troubling example of persistent fraud — a recent unauthorised
TikTok account using his image to peddle false overseas employment opportunities.

“This action,” the ministry said in a statement, “is not only unethical, but illegal.”

In urging the public to stay vigilant, Charles Jr urged Jamaicans to verify any information before responding.

“We want to warn the public again to only receive information from all authorised channels or you will pull and put yourself into issues that we want you to be guarded from,” added Charles Jr.