Jamaica – Canada celebrate 60 years of ‘genuine’ friendship

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The Seasonal Agricultural Worker program is the foundation of a “genuine” relationship that exists between Jamaica and Canada, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, says.

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“The people of both countries benefit from this program in many ways,” Pearnel Charles Jr. said during a visit to Strawberry Tyme Farms near Simcoe on Sunday (July 26). “For the people of Jamaica, this program is more than just farm workers getting an opportunity to make money and send their children to schools.

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“That’s a big part of it to be sure, but it’s importance goes well beyond that.”

The labour and social security minister said the program set the stage for collaboration between the two countries.

Charles cited the response of Canada after Hurricane Melissa ravaged a large part of Jamaica in late October 2025.

“Canadian employers came together and provided support, resources and offered prayers for the families here and at home,” Charles said. “It means a lot and I think it was one of the primary representations of a truly strong relationship, a genuine relationship.

“It shows that when help is needed Canada is there without us calling or asking.”

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Melissa was the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica. It destroyed homes and buildings resulting in nearly $9 billion in damage and the death of 45 Jamaicans.

Many Jamaican farmer workers were still in Canada at the time and with communications down, many were left wondering about the welfare of loved ones.

“There are farm workers here who will tell you that they don’t feel like employees,” Charles  said.

Many of the Canadian employers feel the same way and recognize the value the workers provided to their operation.

Charles was at Strawberry Tyme Farms to participated in a 60th anniversary celebration of the seasonal program organized by Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) & F.A.R.M.S. He was given a tour of the farm and spoke with members of the Cooper family, owners of Strawberry Tyme.

Charles also had an opportunity to speak to representatives of the fruit and vegetable growers  group and local officials. He also spent time speaking with Jamaican workers employed at Strawberry Tyme.

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After arriving in Canada on Thursday (July 23), Charles attended a diamond jubilee and awards ceremony at the Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain on Friday.

During his visit to Norfolk, Charles said he met with various government representatives, Canadian employers as well as farm workers.

“We’re looking for ways to continue and to strengthen our collaboration and planning for the next year and years to come,” he said. “This program has increased both in terms of numbers and its impact.”

Ben Murray, communications adviser for the fruit and vegetable growers’ association, said the program is extremely important to the Canadian economy and farmers.

“This is an important milestone, Murray said of the celebration. “Our farmers wouldn’t be able to plant, grow and harvest their fruits and vegetables without the amazing work done by the men and women of Jamaica, Mexico and the rest of the Caribbean.

“This is a way of celebrating that milestone and recognizing the mutual benefits of the program.”

Vball@postmedia.com

@EXPVBall

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