MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Derrick Kellier says he has met with Mayor of Leamington in Ontario, Canada, John Paterson, in an effort to improve social and cultural relationships between Jamaican farm workers and residents of the Canadian city.

Kellier met with the Leamington mayor on October 29 in an effort to diffuse growing tension about unacceptable behaviour by Jamaican farm workers, and to strengthen protocols in place for the overseas employment programme.

Last month, the Leamington media reported Mayor Paterson’s claim that a group of Jamaican migrant workers made “rather lewd comments” to his daughter.

The mayor would only say the comments were “in reference to her body parts”, CBC News reported.

It said Paterson raised the issue at a police services board meeting, and went so far as to propose a no-loitering by-law to prohibit migrant workers from hanging out downtown.

However, during the meeting with Kellier, Paterson explained that some of the media reports about his comments on the Jamaican farm workers’ behaviour were “overstated”, and did not truthfully reflect his comments on the matter.

Mayor Paterson welcomed the minister’s visit, stating that “this proactive action taken by the Jamaican Government to ensure that the migrant worker programme continues to prosper and to address negative issues, speaks volumes to the commitment and sincerity of the Jamaican people”.

The mayor gave assurance that his team of Councillors will work with residents of Leamington towards a better understanding of the cultural differences and “to facilitate the integration of Jamaican migrant workers, who are providing valuable services and making significant contribution to the local economy”.

Kellier also met with the Jamaican workers and urged them to adapt to their new environment as best as possible and respect Canadian cultural values and practices.

The visit comes ahead of the 2013 Annual Review Meeting of the Canadian/Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Programme, which will be hosted by Jamaica in December. The meeting will be attended by Canadian Government officials, employers and labour ministers from the Caribbean.

Of the 7,800 Jamaicans employed annually in the Canadian migrant worker programme, approximately 1,200 are engaged in the production and harvesting of vegetables and other crops in Leamington.

Kellier emphasised the importance of the Canadian Overseas Employment Programme and the mutual benefits derived by both countries. He pointed out that “improving relationships between Jamaicans and Canadians is a high priority for the Jamaican Government and, as such, there are discussions on practical steps to improve the current situation.