KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honorable Pearnel Charles Jr., on Thursday  underscored the importance of the Government’s ‘no one left behind’ policy as he encouraged potential candidates for placement in the Overseas Employment (farmwork) Programme in Canada and the United States (US).

The policy ensures that workers are well prepared to meet the demands of their overseas employment and excel in their roles.

“[It’s the] first time ever that we have done this in Jamaica, where you are given the opportunity to do your interviews and… if you need help in some way, whether it is in reading or understanding, whatever it is, we have a policy now where no one should be left behind,” Charles said.

“So, if you don’t get through to [go on the] farmwork [programme] this time, my goal is to make sure that we can identify what the issue is and help you to prepare for the next time instead of just sending you back home, and that’s it. We are going to make sure that if you take up the opportunity, that you get the tools to ready yourself for the next opportunity,” he further stated.

Charles added, however, that if individuals, for any reason, are not selected, there is the opportunity for them to, among other things, secure a micro business grant “and start something when you go back home”.

The minister was speaking during a farmwork recruitment exercise on Thursday at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

As part of the ‘no one left behind’ policy, the ministry has revised its orientation and selection process to include psychometric testing and revised literacy and numeracy tests.

Charles, who noted that the individuals attending Thursday’s engagement were the first beneficiaries of the policy, urged them to “make good use of it”.

He also encouraged the potential candidates to have a good attitude when doing the interviews.

“Remember the persons interviewing you do not know you… first impressions last. How you walk in, how your face looks and how your body language is, makes a difference to whether you are selected or not. You will be asked a number of questions; I am going to implore you to answer the questions confidently,” Charles said.

Officers of the ministry’s Jamaican Liaison Service, supported by representatives from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), are conducting interviews with candidates for Overseas Employment (farmwork) Programme placements in Canada and the US.

Thursday’s exercise marked the fourth day of the three-week process through which 350 farmers are expected to be interviewed daily.

–              JIS