KINGSTON, Jamaica — The first batch of farm workers for 2017 is scheduled to leave the island on Wednesday, January 4, to take up employment opportunities in greenhouse production of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural crops in Canada.

Addressing the group of  approximately 375 workers, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Shahine Robinson, emphasised the importance of the programme to not only the participants but to the local economy.

“The Jamaica/Canada employment programme continues to be a constant source of job opportunity for thousands of Jamaicans and a vital source of foreign-exchange remittances to the Jamaican economy,” she said.

Last year, 15,611 workers participated in the Overseas Employment Programme. Of this figure, 8,934, or more than 50 per cent, went to Canada. This represented an increase of 844 new workers when compared with the same period in 2015.

Robinson also said that the marked increase is evidence of the ministry’s efforts to broaden the programme.

“We in the ministry are working to ensure an expansion in the programme and, accordingly, we are pursuing strategies such as additional opportunities in existing markets and diversification to new ones,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the minister warned the public to be aware of “unscrupulous” people who offer overseas jobs.

“I urge you to verify with the ministry the authenticity or legitimacy of all such agencies before making any commitment. I urge you to contact the ministry before sending payments through any remittance service. Also, be careful about jobs being offered through the Internet and social media,” she urged.