Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, CD
Permanent Secretary
Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden was appointed as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on January 1, 2015. Widely recognized as an ardent, energetic, and visionary leader—with a dogged determination for success and a meticulous attention to detail—she has dedicated her career to advancing Jamaica’s social development and labour policies.
Mrs. Roberts Risden began her public service in 1993 as a Supervisor Cartographer at the Statistical Institute of Jamaica. In 1997, she further honed her expertise as a Research Fellow at the Management Institute for National Development. She joined the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in January 2000 as Director, Public Assistance, was promoted to Director, Social Security in 2007, and in January 2011, she assumed the position of Chief Technical Director in the Office of the Prime Minister. Her specialization in social development and research is exemplified by her leadership in designing and implementing the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH)—Jamaica’s flagship social protection programme that has received international acclaim.
In early September 2024, Mrs. Roberts Risden accepted a two-year special assignment to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States. This assignment highlights the critical importance of these programmes, which are a key source of income for over 13,000 Jamaicans and their families, and play a vital role in enhancing Jamaica’s international reputation. Reporting directly to the Minister of Labour and Social Security, her new role focuses on securing the future of these programmes, expanding opportunities for Jamaican workers abroad, and strengthening Jamaica’s overall overseas employment policy.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, expressed his confidence in her appointment, stating:
“PS Risden has been an exemplary leader within the Ministry. Her experience interacting with Jamaica’s bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as her deep knowledge of the Overseas Employment Programmes, makes her uniquely suited for this role. I am confident that under her leadership, these programmes will not only thrive but will also be expanded to new horizons, ensuring the continued success and well-being of Jamaican workers abroad.”
Reflecting on her new assignment, Mrs. Roberts Risden stated:
“I am honoured to have been chosen for this critical role and I’m acutely aware of the current challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to working diligently to safeguard and secure the future of these programmes, while expanding them in ways that will benefit our workers and strengthen Jamaica’s global labour presence.”
A graduate of the University of the West Indies with a BA (Honours) in Geography and Economics, and holding an MSc in Development Studies from the Consortium Graduate School, Mrs. Roberts Risden continues to drive the modernization and transformation of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security—ensuring that both Jamaica’s domestic and international employment strategies remain robust and forward-thinking.
