Labour ministry's main building to be named in honour of Portia Simpson Miller

The main building at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on North Street in downtown Kingston is to be named the Portia Simpson Miller Building in honour of the former prime minister of Jamaica.

The announcement was made by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, while addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday on the celebration of Workers’ Week and Labour Day.

She also announced that the National Insurance Building at National Heroes Circle will be named the Lynden Gladstone Newland Building.

She said both acts are in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the movement for the rights and proper working conditions of Jamaican workers.

Simpson Miller, who is a former labour minister, is heralded as one of the change bearers to Jamaica's labour industry, improving negotiations with workers, conditions for workers, and advancing the increase of the minimum wage through supportive legislation.

She also oversaw the expansion of the Overseas Work Programme, as well as the establishment of a Labour Chair at The University of the West Indies.

Meanwhile, Newland has been described as a Jamaican legend and pioneer in the field of labour and social security.

His legacy includes co-founding the Jamaica Labour Party and serving as Minister of Labour and National Insurance from 1962 to 1972, where he introduced the National Insurance Scheme.

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