CVM Sunrise spotlights labour reforms, rural therapy care and family events across Jamaica

CVM Sunrise on May 22 featured a wide mix of Jamaican news, sport, entertainment and family-focused updates, with major attention on labour protections, services for children with disabilities, local football and upcoming public events.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is setting up the Standards, Accountability and Fairness in Employment task force to strengthen oversight in Jamaica’s business process outsourcing sector. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said the ministry will work with employers on worker welfare and responsible labour practices. A Decent Work Partnership Recognition Programme is also planned, while an unemployment insurance initiative is expected to provide benefits to eligible workers within two years.

The ministry also announced two mobile therapy units under the Access Jamaica initiative, expanding the Early Stimulation Programme for children with developmental disabilities. The units will first serve Trelawny, Westmoreland and St. Mary, with clinical teams including behaviour therapists and physiotherapists. The goal is to cut rural waiting times by about 40 per cent and reach another 1,000 children in the first year. The Early Stimulation Programme currently supports more than 3,600 children from birth to age six, with referrals up 33 per cent since 2023.

In sport, the Popeye’s Challenge Cup continued with Medforest FC beating Humble Lion 2-1 at St. Elizabeth Technical High School. Jeffrey Robinson scored first, Denel Watson equalised, and a Zidane Christie own goal decided the match. Lime Hall of St. Ann also advanced after a 2-1 win over STS Elite, with Diego McKenzie and Shakil Kane scoring for Lime Hall. Reno defeated Falmouth United 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The morning news segment reported that Jamaica marked 46 years since the Eventide Home fire, in which more than 100 elderly women died after the facility burned on May 20, 1980. A floral tribute was held at National Heroes Park. The programme also noted that Sabina Park will host three ODIs and three T20 internationals when Sri Lanka tours the West Indies, beginning June 3.

Lifestyle features highlighted children’s activities for Child Month, including Kidsville JA at Hope Zoo on May 29 and 30, with part proceeds supporting the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation. Recording artiste Peaches Adaba also appeared on the programme, discussing her music, her Adaba Entertainment platform and performing “Meaning.”