KINGSTON, Jamaica — Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the black, green and gold of the Jamaican flag on Saturday as Jamaica marks the 60th anniversary of the Canada—Jamaica Farm Work Programme (SAWP).

In a release, the Government said the lighting is scheduled for 9:30 pm Jamaica time (10:30 pm Canada time), highlighting six decades of partnership between the two countries under the programme.

Members of the public will be able to view the illumination live through 24-hour webcams, including the Niagara Falls live feed and the Clifton Hill live cam, which captures the evening lighting and surrounding activity. The feeds are expected to allow Jamaicans locally and across the diaspora to witness the event in real time.

The symbolic display forms part of a wider programme of commemorative activities recognising the SAWP, which began in 1966 with 264 Jamaican workers and now provides opportunities for more than 9,000 workers each year.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between Jamaica and Canada.

“The Government and people of Jamaica extend sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Canada for a partnership that has stood the test of time. For 60 years, this relationship has nurtured opportunities, sustained livelihoods and strengthened the bonds between our nations,” he said.

He added, “The impact of this programme is not distant or abstract. It is felt in homes across Jamaica. It is seen in children who are better provided for, in families that have found stability and in communities that have been built and sustained through hard work and sacrifice.”

Permanent Secretary with responsibility for the Overseas Employment Programme, Colette Roberts Risden, also outlined the operational focus behind the initiative.

“The strength of this programme lies in disciplined execution. We manage a full system, from recruitment and vetting to deployment and on-site oversight. Standards are enforced, performance is monitored and support structures are active in the field. That is how we protect our workers, maintain employer confidence and secure Jamaica’s position in a competitive labour market,” she said.

The illumination is one of several activities planned to mark the milestone, including a church service set for Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 10:00 am (Canada time) at Cornerstone Community Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The anniversary programme, led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaican Liaison Service in Canada, will also feature a scholarship programme, a documentary on the history of the initiative, a national day of recognition for agricultural workers, and other activities across both countries.

A Jamaican delegation, led by the minister and including Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden, is expected to participate in commemorative and industry events in Canada, engaging government counterparts, employers and sector partners.