The Government of Jamaica has received mixed reviews since announcing it will be making adjustments to the parental leave policy for workers in the public sector, with some arguing that the change is long overdue.

Many persons on social media have been arguing that the Maternity Leave Act of 1979 states that maternity leave is to be granted for 12 weeks (or three months) and that the Government was not following that standard.

However, maternity leave entitlements in the public sector have been based on the provisions of the Public Service Staff Orders of 2004, which set such paid leave at 40 days.

The announcement that the Public Service Staff Orders would be updated to include an extension was made on Tuesday (July 12) by Dr Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service, who said maternity leave will be extended from 40 days to three months.

But, with the requirements under the Maternity Leave Act, the announcement has been met with a response of “no improvement” from some citizens.

Clarke has also said that the Government in the process of introducing paternity leave and family
leave for parents who are adopting a new child.

After his announcement, citizens gathered on social media to share their feelings about the decision.

The discussions on social media were mixed.

“Not good enough. It was three months before. This is not progress,” said @zimjam on Instagram.

COMPARISONS TO OTHER COUNTRIES

“Jamaica is a developing country, be appreciative that there’s actually a start,” said Fathershawn91 on Twitter.

The debate on whether the change in maternity leave was suitable also led to many person making comparisons to other countries.

“It is 18 months in Canada with 12 months for mom and six months for dad,” said Vinessa-
Marie on Instagram.

The Canadian government currently offers maternity leave, standard, and extended parental
leave to its residents.

Maternity leave in Canada, according to the Canadian government, is 15 weeks with a standard
parental leave of up to 40 weeks that can be shared between both parents.

There is also the option of an extended parental leave of up to 69 weeks, which can also be shared.

In other Caribbean countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Kitts
and Nevis, maternity leave is three months with six weeks offered before birth.