Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jnr. met with United States Embassy officials today to discuss Jamaica’s long standing participation in the agricultural (H2A) and hospitality (H2B) programmes.

The meeting was a follow up to discussions held recently between U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, during which Dr. Holness highlighted the opportunities for an expansion of the two programmes.

Mr. Charles Jnr. reiterated that Jamaica has enhanced its recruiting and orientation processes to ensure that participants are of the highest quality and standard.

The minister asserted that what seems like challenges to some, are actually opportunities.

He noted that Jamaica is the partner of choice to fill any gap created by any shift in immigration status, in the United States.

Jamaica has an 82 year bi-lateral cooperation agreement with the United States, with over 16,000 persons benefiting from employment opportunities under both programmes, annually.

These programmes have contributed significantly to the social and economic advancement of Jamaican society, particularly in rural areas.

The minister said government remains committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of Jamaican workers participating in these programmes.