Jamaican farm workers back on the job after fire

The farm workers living quarters go up in flames
The farm workers living quarters go up in flames

Thirty-three Jamaican farm workers are back on the job, after a
spectacular fire gutted their living quarters at Chary Produce, a fruit
and vegetable operation in Mount Pleasant, Ontario, last Thursday,
leaving them with just the clothes on their backs.
When The Caribbean Camera reached co-owner of Chary Produce,
John Chary, he said “no comment,” but directed us to the Jamaican Liaison Service office.
“On July 28, 33 Chary Produce farm workers- out of 123 workers
employed there this year -went off to the fields around 7:00 to 7:15 am. So this tremendous opportunity .”
She pointed out that it will allow them “ to make a meaningful impact on the affairs of this country in which they reside, as well as equip them with valuable experience and skills to better serve the interests of Jamaica.”
Stating that the Jamaican Diaspora represents “ a major asset for
the attainment of critical development goals,” she said the {Jamaica} government “ is committed, where possible, to the repatriation of high value skills for our nation’s advancement.”
“ We very much hope that some of you will position yourself to respond,” she told the audience.
The foreign affairs minister also reported that in an effort to maximise “ the philanthropy and goodwill across the Diaspora, “ the Jamaican government proposes to establish a Trust “ that will link all government entities which currently receive charitable contributions.
“ That facility will ensure greater effectiveness and efficiency in the
distribution and management of the resources that you provide for our county,” she told fellow Jamaicans.
Referring to the problems of crime and violence in Jamaica, Johnson-Smith said that the Jamaican government is dedicated “ to building a modern, effective and well-resourced police force that will earn the trust and confidence of the citizens of Jamaica and by extension our Diaspora.”
In her address, Johnson-Smith paid tribute to the founders of the
JCA and commended the Association “ for its strong advocacy and support of Jamaican immigrants since its inception in 1962.”
At the gala, awards were presented to the following:
Aldaine Hunt – President’s Award Vilma Garnett – Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Dr. Billroy Powell, Pam Reynolds and Thelma Carey-Thompson – 25 Years of Continuous Service Raphael Walters – Lifetime Award (40 years of Continuous Service) The Carpenters and Allied WorkersLocal 27 – Community Service Award (organization) Desmond Cole, author and journalist – Community Service Award Anthony Morgan, lawyer – Community Service Award
Knia Singh, lawyer – Community Service Award