Some Jamaican farm workers returning from Canada have lost homes

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa is still being tallied on the Caribbean island, home to many Jamaican workers of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

The island’s major newspaper, The Gleaner, has reported that communications have improved over the last week. 

Althea Riley, chief liaison officer, Jamaica Liaison Service, in Toronto, Ontario, told The Gleaner that more than 1,500 workers have returned home since October 31. Another 2,100 workers are expected to go by November 14.  

According to the paper, “One of the workers who returned home to Trelawny sent Riley a voice note in which he said that his wife, two daughters and son were okay. However, his house and car were severely damaged and he lost his farm, but his donkey and two goats are still alive.” 

Several farm owners have started GoFundMe campaigns to raise relief funds. Several groups such as The Neighbourhood Organization, the Farm Worker Hub and the provincially funded Ontario Agriculture Mental Health Awareness program have offered support to the Jamaican workers.