Jamaica minimum wage set for July rise as clergy, veterans and security officials outline national priorities

Jamaica’s weekly minimum wage will move from $16,000 to $17,000 from July 1 after the House of Representatives approved the change on Tuesday, CVM Sunrise reported on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Under the new rates for a 40-hour work week, the hourly minimum rises from $400 to $425. Overtime pay will increase to $637.50 per hour and double-time pay to $850 per hour. Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said the Minimum Wage Act, in place since 1938, remains a cornerstone of worker protection. He said the adjustment reflects the Government’s commitment to fair pay while maintaining a stable business environment.

Hosts noted that the increase arrives amid rising food costs and higher travel fares, and that balancing worker needs with employers’ capacity remains a delicate issue.

In Montego Bay, members of the St. James Ministers Fraternal held a media conference on Wednesday to highlight conditions affecting parish residents, including Hurricane Melissa recovery, healthcare shortages, violent crime and damaged roads in Upper St. James, including erosion along the Spring Mount main road.

Chairman Reverend Glendon Paul said the parish had recorded 35 murders since the start of 2026, nine more than the 26 recorded between January 1 and June 25, 2025. He urged churches across St. James to collaborate against crime. Immediate past president Reverend Devon Thomas also pointed to poor conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital. The clergy further called for transparency after an Integrity Commission report tabled in Parliament recommended criminal charges against Cabinet minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley for illicit enrichment; Reverend Paul said the Prime Minister should act if the minister is found culpable.

The Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Legion’s National Poppy Appeal 5K run and walk is set for Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Up Park Camp. Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Bryan and Captain Danisha Martin said the event supports veterans’ welfare, including assistance through the Curphey Home in Mandeville. Registration is open at runningeventsja.com until race day at $3,000 per person or $2,500 for groups of 10 or more; participants may also contribute without full registration.

On drug trafficking, Organization of American States resident representative Jeanelle Van Klaren Vega and Ministry of National Security and Peace chief technical director Shauna Chisholm discussed the Drug Courier and Human Rights Project. They said many women are jailed for nonviolent drug offences linked to poverty and fear, and stressed prevention, enforcement and alternative support pathways.

R Hotel representatives Lajon Page Salmon and Monique Gossip said the New Kingston boutique property remains open despite past sale listings, offering summer promotions and rooftop dining at District 5. Recording artist Jahshii also appeared on the programme to promote his single Autopilot and upcoming overseas performances.