Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Eastern, Noel Slowley, says 63 individuals in his constituency have been certified at level two in housekeeping and are now able to secure jobs in Jamaica and overseas.

Slowley, who made the announcement during his recent contribution to the 2023/24 State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives, said the training and certification was accomplished “through the strategic collaboration of my office and HEART Trust NSTA”.

“These individuals now stand prepared for both local and overseas opportunities, enriching their socio-economic potential and contributing to the growth of our nation,” he said.

He also commended the Khaneel Farquharson Training Institute, which he said was a “valuable partner in our efforts in empowering our youths”. Specifically, Slowley said the Institute, in collaboration with his office, has certified 1500 young men and women since October 2020, with 98 per cent of them being gainfully employed within various security companies locally and internationally.

“We eagerly anticipate the expansion of their programme offerings, further uplifting and empowering the youth of North Eastern St Elizabeth,” Slowley said.

And, he said discussions are underway with the HEART Trust with a view to certifying teachers at early childhood institutions within the constituency.

Stating that “infant departments are very high on our agenda,” Slowley announced that both the new Santa Cruz Primary Infant Department building and the Leeds Primary Infant Department building are now fully complete and operational at a combined cost of over $80 million dollars.

“I am happy to report that we have yet another infant department, a third one since being Member of Parliament to be started at the Roses Valley Primary School in Balaclava at a whopping cost of $47.9 million dollars”.

The site was handed over to the contractor last week and Slowley said the facility should be completed by March 2024.

The Member of Parliament also thanked the Digicel Foundation which he said collaborated with the Minister of Education, Fayval Williams on the recent completion of the special education centre in Santa Cruz at a cost of $43 million.