Jamaican Liaison Service Fetes Farmworkers in Canada

The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) in Canada is hosting a series of social events to honor farm workers and their employers across all provinces. The planned activities include fun days, domino tournaments, cookouts, barbecues, and football competitions, celebrating the contributions of Jamaican workers.

Read the Release below:

The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) in Canada is currently holding a series of social
engagements to recognize farm workers and employers in all provinces with Jamaican
workers. Planned engagements include a range of activities including fun days, domino
tournaments, cook outs, barbecues and football competitions. Led by Liaison Officers
from the JLS, so far events have been held in Niagara, British Columbia, Simcoe and
Tillsonburg in Ontario, with over 600 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.”

Several farmworkers 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 their liaison officer on a different level.
According to a farmworker from a farm in Simcoe, he has seen positive changes in the
Liaison Service with earlier and more regular visits from his officer.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr commended the liaison
service for initiating this initiative. “Engagements of this kind allow farmworkers a forum
in which they can connect with their liaison officers outside of formal meetings and more
relaxed spaces which we hope will enable them to foster better relationships. “
Minister Charles Jr also commended the Acting Chief Liaison Officer for the Jamaica
Services, Mrs. Althea Riley, who conceptualized the engagement series. Mrs. Riley
expressed her thanks to the Minister and added that “We are all Jamaicans and are all
ambassadors for our country whether we are farm workers or liaison officer, we
represent our country proudly at whatever level we operate” she said.

According to Mrs. Riley, further plans are underway to improve service delivery to the
Stakeholders of the Jamaica Liaison Services at the forefront of these plans is the
improved visits to farms and better communication. The latest event in the series was
held in the providence of British Columbia yesterday.

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.