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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-09-08, Page 12Crossroads 12 Wednesday, September 8, 2004 Exeter Times Advocate Exeter Produce employing St. Lucians By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Most peo- ple in Exeter are aware of the Mexican and Jamaican migrant workers who live in town several months out of the year. What most Exeterites may not know is that, for the second summer in a row, St. Lucian workers have been working at Exeter Produce. Twenty-one St. Lucians are work- ing at Exeter Produce this year, up from 11 last year. In total, Exeter Produce has 135 migrant workers, while Veri Hydroponics has 30. Darlene Renning, the personnel co-ordinator for the migrant work- ers at Exeter Produce, says the company started bringing in Jamaican workers about 30 years ago, and Mexicans about 15 years ago. Workers are allowed to stay a maximum of eight months a year. Renning said one Jamaican worker has been work- ing in Exeter every year for the past 30 years. Why bring in migrant workers? Simply put, the work required — long hours in the fields, often bending over under the hot sun, offers harsh working conditions most Canadians won't do. As Exeter Produce field manager Kevin Lewis says, there are other opportunities for Migrant workers toil in a pepper field at the Ford farm west of Dashwood last week. In addition to Mexicans and Jamaicans, Exeter Produce has added St. Lucian workers to its staff. Officials from the Caribbean island were in Exeter last week to promote the program in an effort to have more St. Lucians work in Canada. (pho- tos/Scott Nixon) Canadian workers. He stresses the migrant workers are crucial to the success of Exeter Produce. "Without the offshore labour pro- gram, we wouldn't be running," he says. T h e migrants work six days a week from 7:30 a.m. until dark. But while there are 21 St. Lucians at Exeter Produce this year, the St. Lucian government would like to see even more of their citizens working in Canada. Last week St. Lucian Minister of Labour Velon John, Labour Commissioner Macstephen Aubertin and Egbert Lionel of the eastern Caribbean consul visited Exeter Produce to promote St. "Without the offshore labour program, we wouldn't be running. - KEVIN LEWIS FIELD MANAGER FOR EXETER PRODUCE Lucian workers and let Canadian employers know there are more St. Lucian workers available for work. In fact, it was Lionel who approached Exeter Produce origi- nally to ask if the com- pany would be inter- ested in employing St. Lucians. There are 120 St. Lucians working in Canada as part of the offshore program, although there are none in the U.S. Lionel said the pro- gram is important to the St. Lucian workers and to the St. Lucian econ- omy, as it provides workers with jobs and money to spend when back home. But Lionel is cerned there aren't enough St. Lucians working in Canada and from the other islands he represents — St. Dominique, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Kitts and Montserrat. "The sky's the limit," Lionel said of the num- ber of St. Lucian work- ers available to work in Canada. He said it's simply a case of making sure employers in Canada are made aware of the program. St. Lucian Labour Minister John, who attended university in Canada, planned to spend two weeks in the country pro- moting St. Lucian workers. He said he has spo- ken to the workers and the employers and said The offshore labour program, which sees 120 St. Lucians working in Canada, pumps $200,000 into the St. Lucian economy. they go con - both sides seem satis- fied with the program. "It's a good, positive relation- ship," he said. He said the program to have St. Lucians work in Canada pumps $200,000 into the St. Lucian economy. As the population of St. Lucia is only 150,000, the impact on the country is significant. The island also has a 16 per cent unemploy- ment rate with an average monthly income of $400, so John is eager to have more of its citizens involved in the off- shore program. John said he wants Canadian farmers to be aware of the avail- ability of St. Lucian workers. He said there's a tendency around the world to confuse St. Lucia with Jamaica. "I'd like them to know that St. Lucia exists," John said with a laugh. "We should be considered." St. Lucians who work in Canada are required to return home at the end of the season (which runs from February to November). Prospective workers are put through an orientation program and chosen based on physical fitness and personality. Most have families back home and John said very few return home early. The program is also open to women, but there are few involved because of the nature of the work. Working at the Ford farm under a hot sun west of Dashwood last week was St. Lucian worker Bernard Samuel, who said his time in Canada so far has gone well. He admits the hours are long, but he likes the work and doesn't find it too difficult. His fellow country- man Anthony Felix has spent four summers in Canada, although this is his first time in Exeter. He said it is difficult work and the constant bending can be hard on the back. In their spare time, the migrant workers play games like soccer and cricket and they also enjoy their music and satellite TV. "I'd like them to know that St. Lucia exists.We should be considered." - VFLON JOHN ST. LUCIAN MINISTER OF LABOUR The St. Lucian government wants more of its residents participating in an offshore employment program that would see them working in Canada.With a 16 per cent unemployment rate and an average monthly income of only $400, the program is beneficial to the St. Lucian economy. From left are Labour Commissioner Macstephen Aubertin, Egbert Lionel of the eastern Caribbean consul and Minister of LabourVelon John. St. Lucian Bernard Samuel works in a pepper field for Exeter Produce outside Dashwood last week.