Distant Calls on Employers to Reconsider COVID-19 Protocols

As the pandemic persists, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Lloyd Distant urges companies to develop protocols that make considerations for vaccinated and unvaccinated workers. He is also calling for a zero-tax rate on covid testing to make it affordable to employees.

Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) formerly known as the Business Process Industry Association of Jamaica (BPIAJ) made a call for the government to make work from home policies within the BPO sector permanent.

Senator Aubyn Aubyn Hill of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation cites the BPO sector as contributing largely to Jamaica’s 12.6% economic growth. He was speaking at the GSAJ Industry Awards where Jamaica Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Distant also praised the sector for its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and took the opportunity to tackle the issue of mandatory vaccination. Advising businesses to be specific in their protocols as not all roles require vaccination.

Distant further identifies a challenge in making COVID-19 testing affordable and accessible for the general population. He is calling on the government to avail a greater variety of covid-19 tests to create better avenues for early detection. He also wants there to be a zero-tax rate on antigen testing.

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell