Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Safety, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is ready to go to Canada this week to conduct a complete evaluation of the Seasonal Agricultural Staff Program (SAWP).
This system sees strong participation from Jamaican employees yearly.
Prime Minister’s take
Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared this growth throughout a Diaspora city corridor in Ottawa, Canada. He emphasised that the Jamaican Authorities stays dedicated to making sure the well-being of its residents overseas.
Holness acknowledged differing views on this system. Whereas some contributors reward this system, others elevate issues.
The Prime Minister bolstered the federal government’s obligation to analyze any grievance diligently. He expressed the will to reinforce this system, making it helpful for each Jamaican farm employees and Canadian farmers.
Overseas Affairs weighs in
The Minister of Overseas Affairs and Overseas Commerce, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, echoed the feelings.
Though a previous fact-finding mission yielded predominantly optimistic suggestions in regards to the SAWP, she careworn the federal government’s obligation to proceed its investigations when new issues come up.
Minister Charles’ predominant objective throughout his Canadian go to might be liaising with employers and related Canadian authorities.
Johnson Smith additionally highlighted a novel connection to this system on the legislative stage.
A committee within the Canadian Senate, inclusive of a Jamaican-born Senator, is actively inspecting the SAWP and can quickly supply its suggestions.
Program’s previous evaluation
A report offered in Parliament earlier this yr in regards to the SAWP was largely optimistic. Over 70 per cent of employees concerned in this system felt that their employers handled them both “good” or “excellent.”
When evaluating residing circumstances, the sentiment was constant. 70 per cent had optimistic suggestions about housing and residing requirements. However, some areas, notably outdoors Ontario – the place the vast majority of Jamaican employees are stationed – reported poor labor and industrial relations circumstances.
