Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr

Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. serves as Jamaica's Minister of Labour and Social Security, leading national efforts to strengthen workforce development, labour relations, social protection, and employment policy. Appointed to the role in 2023, he has held several senior Cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, and Minister of State in both the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Security.

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An Attorney-at-Law qualified to practice in both Jamaica and the United States, Minister Charles has built a distinguished legal career spanning public service and private practice, including roles as Crown Counsel, Judicial Clerk, and Managing Attorney of his own law firm.

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He earned two honours degrees from the University of the West Indies a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Zoology and a Bachelor of Laws before completing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) at The George Washington University Law School, where he received the Thomas Buergenthal Scholarship for academic excellence.

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A former President of the Law Society and former Guild President of the University of the West Indies, Minister Charles has consistently combined legal expertise with public leadership. He also serves as Chairman of the UNESCO Youth Advisory Council, reflecting his long-standing commitment to youth development and community engagement.

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As a Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon, he continues to champion policies that promote inclusive economic growth, workforce resilience, and social security reform while preparing Jamaica's labour market for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.