Jamaica Liaison Service Fetes Farmworkers In Canada
Corporate Communications and Public Relations Unit,
1F North Street, Kingston
Friday, August 9, 2024
Jamaica Liaison Service Fetes Farmworkers In Canada
KINGSTON, Jamaica. The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) in Canada, a programme of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is currently holding a series of social engagements in all provinces with Jamaican workers, to recognize Jamaican farm workers and their employers. The engagements include a range of activities including fun days, domino tournaments, cook outs, barbecues and football competitions. So far, events have been held in Niagara, Simcoe and Tillsonburg in Ontario, with over 300 workers and several employers in attendance.
Attendees have shared positive feedback on the events during which several farmworkers were recognized for years of service and their invaluable contribution to the programme’s growth and expansion.
Sharing his sentiments on the engagement series, one employer described the move as ‘most refreshing’. He said “in years gone by, I regularly attended functions geared towards showing appreciation for employers. However, this is the first time I have seen events focusing on getting workers involved and demonstrating a sense of gratitude for them. This will be good for morale.”
The farmworkers are indicating a renewed sense of integration with the Liaison Service, and that they now feel “seen, appreciated and recognized”. Several have expressed the view that the move is a good one as it allows them to interact with fellow Jamaicans from nearby farms and create the opportunity to relax and chat with the team of Liaison Officers on a different level.
According to a farmworker from a farm in Simcoe, he has seen positive changes in the Liaison Service, with more frequent and more interactive visits from his Liaison Officer.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, and the Liaison Service for introducing this initiative. “Engagements of this kind allow farmworkers a forum in which they can connect with their Liaison Officers outside of formal meetings in more relaxed spaces, which we hope will enable them to foster better relationships.”
According to Acting Chief Liaison Officer, Mrs. Althea Riley, the series of social events is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance service delivery to the farmworkers in Canada, and to safeguard their welfare. To date, five (5) events have been held, with the most recent being held in British Colombia on Jamaica’s Independence Day, August 6.
The JLS continues its work to identify additional possibilities for partnerships to boost relations with stakeholders and facilitate the longevity of the Overseas Employment Programme.
Jamaican farmworkers in Canada enjoy a game of dominoes during a social event, held by the Jamaica Liaison Service at Townsend Fruit Farm on July 7, 2024. More than 400 workers from the Simcoe Area of Ontario participated in the event.
Contact: MLSS Communication Unit|Tel: (876) 676-5672, (876) 676-5674|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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