KINGSTON, Jamaica — When the first batch of Jamaicans departed the island on January 6 for Canada, under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP), among them was first-time participant Andre Hollinzed from Clarendon.

The 24-year-old, who spoke to JIS News at a farewell event at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Centre in Kingston, said he was aiming to make a positive impact.

He said it was his mother who encouraged him to apply, and he will be taking advantage of the opportunity to “rise and shine”.

“My mom is a farmer, my dad is a farmer, so, you know, we all grew up in a farming area. She is the one who motivated me to get a farm-work ticket… and now that I got through, it’s my time to rise and shine. Mi just feel so good fi know seh mi get the opportunity,” he stated.

Hollinzed said he is ready to get to work, noting that he had prepared for the cold weather.

“Mi pack mi luggage and I have a lot of sweaters and stuff because it’s very cold up there. Honestly, I feel so grateful, mi haffi thank God, mi haffi thank everybody, who support us. I feel so confident and feel good, mi just wah guh up and duh di work,” he added.

Hollinzed told JIS News that his motivation is to help his family, which was severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, losing crops, animals, and the roof of the family home.

He said that his dream is to build a nice house for his family, which includes four younger brothers.

“Mi want to set a foundation for them so dem can be comfortable. We had a lot of damage in the storm; wi lose a lot. So, mi just thank God dat mi get the opportunity and mi just have to mek use of it,” he said.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr. had encouraging words for the first-timer.

He noted that going on the overseas work programme is not only an opportunity to earn some money “but to help you restart and rebuild”.

“It’s a lifelong learning opportunity where you’re going to be able to gain skills that can be used when you get back home,” he pointed out.

He urged the youngster to “see this, your first year, as just the beginning,” and to “develop the work ethic that will carry you through a very long time, whether it is on farm work or if you start your own business in Jamaica”.

Minister Charles Jr encouraged Hollinzed to perform well and see himself as an ambassador for Jamaica.

“How you act now is going to be critical to how people see you later. First impressions last, and how you conduct yourself, how you look, how you walk, how you talk – everything is going to be scrutinised,” he pointed out.

“I want to encourage you to stick with it, be determined, be disciplined, be focused. Keep the Almighty first and just learn, contribute, and just give it your all. Give it your best,” he added.

The SAWP is a bilateral arrangement between the Governments of Jamaica and Canada that facilitates the temporary employment of Jamaican workers in Canada’s agricultural sector.

Administered locally by the Ministry, the SAWP provides participants with lawful employment opportunities, income security and exposure to international work practices, while supporting agricultural productivity in Canada and contributing to the socio-economic development of Jamaican families and communities.

A total of 182 workers departed the island for Canada on January 6 and 7. They will be engaged on farms in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, where they will work for eight months in greenhouse farming and the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

This year, the SAWP is marking 60 years of providing employment opportunities, and economic support for thousands of Jamaican families.

—    JIS