Labour Ministry building in Kingston named for NIS founder Lynden G. Newland

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has formally named its building at 14 National Heroes Circle in Kingston in honour of the late Lynden Gladstone Newland, the former Minister of Labour and National Insurance credited with founding Jamaica’s National Insurance Scheme.

The dedication formed part of Workers Week 2026 and the Government’s Jamaica Legacy Project, led in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. A second ceremony was also scheduled for the ministry’s 1F North Street building, to be named for former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, Culture Minister Olivia Grange, Minister of State Donovan Williams, senior public servants, trade union representatives and members of the Newland family attended the ceremony.

Speakers said Newland’s work helped shape Jamaica’s modern social protection system. He served as Minister of Labour and National Insurance from 1962 to 1972 and was repeatedly described as the father of the National Insurance Scheme, which is marking its 60th anniversary.

Acting Permanent Secretary Dionne Jennings said Newland’s contribution gave working Jamaicans and their families a measure of support in periods of hardship, retirement and uncertainty. She said the ceremony was about recognising service to country rather than partisan politics.

Minister Grange said Newland raised his voice for workers at a time when Jamaica was building its post-Independence institutions. Minister Charles said Newland moved from advocacy and journalism into national leadership, helping to create protections that still assist pensioners, workers and families.

Holness said the ministry sits at the centre of work, dignity, opportunity and protection, serving pensioners, employers, trade unions, vulnerable citizens, people with disabilities, seasonal workers and injured workers. He said the NIS showed that Jamaica intended to value workers beyond their most productive years.

The Prime Minister also noted that the National Heroes Circle building is more than 50 years old and said he hopes it will eventually be replaced by a new structure in keeping with long-standing plans for the area around National Heroes Park.

Newland’s family was represented by Steven Newland, who thanked the Government and ministry staff. The ceremony closed with a vote of thanks and the ceremonial unveiling of the building’s new name.