Minimum wage rises to $17,000 weekly from July as St. James clergy raise crime and recovery concerns

Jamaica's minimum wage will increase from July 1 after the House of Representatives approved revised rates on Tuesday, Labour and Social Security Minister Pernell Charles Jr. has said.

The weekly minimum for a 40-hour work week will move from $16,000 to $17,000. The hourly rate will rise from $400 to $425, overtime pay to $637.50 per hour, and double-time pay to $850 per hour. Charles told lawmakers the Minimum Wage Act, enacted in 1938, remains a cornerstone of worker protection, and that the adjustment reflects the government's commitment to fair pay while maintaining a stable business environment.

In St. James, members of the St. James Ministers Fraternal used a Wednesday media briefing to outline concerns about healthcare shortages, violent crime, damaged roads in Upper St. James, and the slow pace of recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Chairman Reverend Glendon Powell said the parish recorded 35 murders between January 1 and June 25, 2026, nine more than the 26 recorded in the same period in 2025. Immediate past president Reverend Davewin Thomas also pointed to poor conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital, noting that churches have assisted with food and water but cannot address larger structural needs.

Powell urged wider church cooperation against crime. "We want every church to become a part of the St. James Ministers Fraternal where we can sit down and we can collaborate and put plans in place to stem that monster of crime," he said. The fraternal also called for accountability after an Integrity Commission report tabled in Parliament recommended that Cabinet minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley face a criminal charge of illicit enrichment.

The Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Legion will hold the National Poppy Appeal 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, June 28, at Up Park Camp. Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Brian and Captain Denanisha Martin said the event supports veterans' welfare, including medical aid and housing. Registration remains open through runningeventsja.com at $3,000 for individuals and $2,500 for groups of 10 or more.

Officials from the Organization of American States and the Ministry of National Security and Peace discussed Jamaica's role in a drug couriers and human rights programme aimed at strengthening enforcement while addressing socioeconomic pressures that push people into courier activity.

R Hotel representatives in New Kingston said the 48-room boutique property remains fully open despite being listed for sale last year, with summer promotions including 25 percent off direct bookings. Recording artist Josh also promoted his single Autopilot and upcoming festival dates during the programme.