The Value of YSEP
Last Tuesday, over 1,000 youth from across Jamaica were present at the Jamaica Conference Centre for the launch of the Ministry’s Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), which is in its 9th year. The participants, many of whom were decked in their branded t-shirts, listened attentively as the Minister of Local Government and Community Development and the programme’s conceptualizer, Honourable Desmond McKenzie addressed the attendees,
“We are looking at the future of Jamaica, since YSEP was introduced in 2017, we have truly come a far way, we started right here in Kingston at the official launch when the Most Honourable Prime Minister launched the program at Jamaica College,” he said.
“It the largest youth employment programme of this nature in the Caribbean and so far over 50,000 young people have learned and have earned through the youth summer employment program over these nine years,” the minister continued.
Minister McKenzie expressed that the government appreciates the efforts of the participants while detailing areas where their contributions have been impactful, these included surveyance, streetlight auditing and other data collection.
He urged participants to be smart with the emoluments that they will earn from the programme, suggesting that the proceeds can help with offsetting back-to-school expenses and other necessities.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who delivered the keynote speech, shared his experience working in a government summer program as a youth,
“My mother was a civil servant in the Ministry of Social Security, and so, she always ensured that, if I were not with my father on his farm in the summer, that I was doing some summer work at her ministry. It was an excellent experience for me,” he recalled.
The prime minister added that during that time, his duty was to register and update NIS details as he reflected on his experience, adding that it gave him tremendous insight into government operations.
“The value of your summer work is definitely the little pay you get…the value of the experience is what you should appreciate and take away with you,” he added as he implored the participants to use the opportunity to become more knowledgeable and rounded—leveraging the opportunity to gain an advantage within the world of work. 
The Prime Minister credited his leadership style to his days of working in government entities during the summers, explaining that those experiences helped to build his character, making him a better person and a better leader.
“We want to empower you with the knowledge skills and attitudes to be able to work,” the Prime Minister added, as he hinted to the get rich quick mindset that has corrupted our society, reminding the attendees that there is no wealth without sacrifice and that they must work for what they want.
The programme started with 2,500 participants; however, this year 10,000 youth will be employed and paid $17,000 per week for four weeks, starting July 07, 2025.
