KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica’s Labour and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr., is to travel to North America amid investigations into recent allegations of victimization under the Overseas Farm Work Programme.
Five farm workers participating in the program were repatriated to Jamaica on August 8. Charles, speaking on a radio program here, said the visit, part of the ongoing investigations, is intended to get an account of the situation.
“I want to go so I can get a pretty accurate read of the circumstances to be able to know that the conversations and discussions that we are having are bearing positive fruit,” he said, adding there may be several reasons for the worker’s return.
“About the individuals who were returned, five of over 40 farm workers have returned from several different farms, and it is not unusual for persons to be returned. If you have changes in climatic conditions or other reasons, the farmer may have to return persons early.”
Charles and senior ministry officials responsible for the Overseas Employment Programme have already met with the workers and other stakeholders to get a first-hand account of the matter.
“The Liaison Officer, in observation and discussions with the farm management team, [said] they were returned because of a reduced crop yield, which is normal. Whenever a weather incident affects crop production or yield, they won’t have as much yield for persons to work, so they will usually return one, two, or three persons. That doesn’tdoesn’t mean that we are accepting that must be the reason,” he said.
Charles assured that the Ministry is committed to protecting the rights and interests of the workers and the integrity of the program.
He said farm workers are advised to report challenges to their supervisors and to escalate reports to their assigned Liaison Officer as needed.
The minister said while there may be myriad reasons for the workers’ return, the Ministry must investigate the allegations of victimization.
“Once we hear any concerns or insinuation of victimization… we still have a responsibility to investigate, and we have continued that process by meeting with the farm workers and doing some investigation.
“The rights and interests of our farm workers are our priority. After that, it is maintaining the integrity of this program and maintaining our relationships,” he said.
and then 