DEVASTATED by Hurricane Melissa, 24-year-old Andre Hollinzed of Clarendon has set his sights on a single goal: to participate in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, return home, and gradually lift his family out of poverty. He wants to make his mother proud, and serve as a role model for his younger siblings.

A first-time participant in the programme, Hollinzed is among 182 workers in the first batch for the new year. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer at a send-off ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Kingston for 97 farm workers who departed on Tuesday, Hollinzed — who, along with 85 others, is scheduled to leave Wednesday — said he is both excited and deeply grateful for the opportunity, which he noted came at a time when his family needed it most.

“I feel so excited because I am from a poor background, and with [Hurricane] Melissa, the storm has affected me and my family a lot, so it’s a big opportunity and I am so excited,” he said, smiling.

“[The hurricane] drowned my pigs, mash up my farm, blew off my house top, and because, as I told you, we were poor, so we did not live in a deck house. This opportunity now, it can make me provide for my family and also set a foundation so that I can build a deck house one day. I am so grateful for this,” he added.

Hollinzed said he was introduced to the programme by his mother, Stacy Ann Gray, who he said is his biggest motivator and the driving force behind his decision.

“I will do whatever it takes to make my mama proud. A real man’s job is to move your mother out of poverty, not to go to jail to die, so I’m taking on that responsibility,” he told the Observer, adding that he also wants to set an example for his younger siblings.

“They already look up to me as a big brother because they know I have ambition and I am always teaching them the right thing, so they are looking forward to see me now uplift [myself] so that I can make them comfortable as well. I am just hoping and praying to God for the best,” said the young man.

Hollinzed shared that with every dollar earned, he will work to restore his damaged pig pen and send funds for his mother to buy more animals and build a place they can call home.

“We are not giving up,” he declared, adding that he will lean on more seasoned workers for guidance and support on his new journey.

Addressing 83 workers set to leave the island on Wednesday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr also spoke to the opportunities that the programme presents for Jamaicans post-Hurricane Melissa. He encouraged the workers to take full advantage of its benefits, stressing that the programme provides a critical pathway to lawful income, skills development, and national recovery.

Minister Charles further highlighted the long-standing relationship between Jamaica and Canada, noting that 2026 marks 60 years of collaboration. He shared that in 1966, a group of fewer than 300 Jamaicans left the island to work overseas, and now thousands of Jamaicans benefit annually, transforming their own lives.

“A lot of you will be engaged in greenhouse agriculture, which again means that you’re not just going up to get some pay, but you’re going to go up and you’re going to be exposed to new skills, new opportunities…I know some of you who are very industrious and who, I am certain that after you gain these skills and you come back to Jamaica, whatever period of time that you’re here, I can already see you starting your own initiatives right here in Jamaica, that’s what we want,” said Charles.

“We want you to go, we want you to make some money, we want you to take care of yourself, take care of your daughters, take care of your sons, take care of your wives and come back and be initiative takers, investors, invest in the community, invest in yourself, and we will help you as well to make sure that you make the most of the experience and the transfer of skill,” he encouraged.

Charles Jr stressed that the programme is a critical pillar of stability for thousands of families, with more than 15,000 individuals benefiting from employment opportunities in Canada and the United States since January 1, 2025. He noted that the figures for 2025 reflect an increase of more than 680 when compared to 2024.

He noted that 90 per cent of workers at the send-off ceremony are returning workers and charged them to be role models for newcomers as they become ambassadors and the face of Jamaica overseas.

“The legacy of our farm workers programme is in your hands. I want to encourage you to conduct yourselves professionally at all times. I want to encourage you to support each other at all times. I want to encourage you to be someone who is a leader, who can follow instructions, and always give your best to represent a country that remains proud of you. Gentlemen, again, this is your moment. Seize the opportunity, work hard, take care of yourself, take care of each other, and continue to be focused,” he encouraged.

Mark Berman, high commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, in celebrating the many years of partnership, said that he is pleased to see the programme advance. He assured workers that “the Government of Canada remains dedicated to working hand in hand with Jamaica and Canadian employers to ensure the programme continues to operate fairly, safely and efficiently, protecting new participants and sustaining the benefits for all involved”.

Meanwhile, state minister Donovan Williams assured workers that detailed negotiations were undertaken on the terms and conditions of employment for the upcoming season, with discussions focused on critical areas such as acceptable housing standards, access to health care, adherence to health and safety practices, the provision of laundry and Wi-Fi facilities, wages, meals, rest periods, and other important contractual provisions.

“As we enter the new season, we can be assured that the terms and conditions of employment are more favourable and reflect our continued advocacy on your behalf. As you assume your assignments, I encourage you to remain fully informed of your rights and responsibilities under the programme,” said Williams.

HOLLINZED…I will do whatever it takes to make my mama proud (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr (right) bids farewell to 97 farm workers who left the island Tuesday for destination Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)