111 farmer workers head to Canada

Noel Johnson was among 111 farmer workers who left the island for Canada to take up jobs under the Overseas Employment Programme on various farms in Ontario yesterday.

Johnson, 61, has been travelling on the farm work programme for 38 years. The Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, native told THE STAR that the programme has allowed him to provide for his family. On average, Johnson is off the island for eight months at a time, far away from his family. But even though he misses them dearly, as the sole breadwinner, he does what he has to.

"I just have to go and work and tek care a my family and God is so good, a cah complain," Johnson said smiling.

He said that he has always had a positive experience working the DiCiocco Farms in Leamington, Ontario, where he will be planting and reaping vegetables like cucumber, pepper and tomato.

"The experience is good for me. I don't know about some guys, but from my side I have to work to tek care of my family, so I don't find it so hard, enuh," Johnson said. He added that despite reports of some farm workers having challenges, he advised those who are interested to come on board and give the programme a chance.

"If they want better life, they have to try it, because I try it and it work out for me," Johnson said.

Almost 10,000 Jamaicans benefited under the programme in Canada last year. The programme has helped many persons to elevate their standard of living. First-time participant 27-year-old Ackeem Brown left the island yesterday, hoping it will help to transform his financial fortunes.

The Richmond, St Mary, native, who is taking an aeroplane for the first time, was excited for the journey ahead.

"Mi nervous but I'm hoping for the best, dying fi have a great time over there," Brown said.

He considers the opportunity to participate in the programme as a major breakthrough for it opens the doors for him to assist his family, especially his 15-year-old sister who is in school.

Yesterday's departure comes across the backdrop of allegations of workers being subjected to 'systematic slavery' under the programme. Jamaica's labour ministry has dismissed the claims. Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica, Emina Tudakovic, speaking at a send-off ceremony for the workers in Kingston, informed the workers about their various rights and encouraged them to report any ill-treatment.

"The majority of workers in Canada have a positive experience but some do face abuse in substandard living conditions... . So we've enhanced our regulations, we've enhanced our abuse reporting channels you know, and other supports, and encourage you to raise any concerns," Tudakovic said.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr also encouraged the workers to speak up, adding that the ministry has done its best to ensure that they are working in safe environments.

"Every farmer, every farm might be different, that is why we work together to develop regulations and terms to ensure that there are minimum standards and we go out and do observations and we put and invest in a liaison office to make sure that there are persons with the responsibility of supporting you," Charles added.