Canadian Farm Worker Programme Finds Support in Grenada

By Lincoln Depradine

The Canadian government is finding increasing favour in Grenada for a host of initiatives it has supported in the country.

Grenadian Labour Minister Glynis Roberts singled out the Canadian International Development Agency and the Canadian-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Farm Workers’ Programme for their efforts in the region, which have led to agricultural employment and the construction of schools and other facilities.

“Investment in education and training is the best investment that can be undertaken,” Roberts said. “I want to convey the gratitude of the Caribbean and, in particular, my own country, Grenada, to the government and people of Canada for their support in our development.”

Roberts was speaking at a recent meeting in Niagara, Canada.

Money earned by Caribbean workers visiting Canada is reinvested and forms part of the GDP of Caribbean nations, Roberts said.

“The government of Grenada views the programme as part of its social and economic development and as an avenue which creates much-needed employment for our people,” she said.

The programme, which was established in 1976, has “impacted positively” on the lives of farm workers and their families, she said.

“The remittances sent back to Grenada to their families while they are on the farms have not only met the needs of their families, but have contributed to the foreign exchange earnings and GDP of the country.”