Omar Clarke (foreground) sits by his luggage at the Ministry of Labour in Kingston with other farm workers. The group was later transported to the Norman Manley International Airport. One group of farmers is off to Canada, while another makes its way to the United States. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
For the last 24 years, Fitzgerald Cameron has been a part of the Government's overseas employment programme. This trip means more to him now than ever because he is relying on the money to put his daughter through college.
"Well, I have been going on this programme for the past 24 years. I have benefited so much because I am able to support my family and, most of all, send my daughters to school," said the 49-year-old farmer, who was among 166 persons, leaving the island for Canada yesterday.
Yesterday, more than 250 farmers crammed into the Ministry of Labour offices on East Street, downtown Kingston, to complete paperwork for departure.
One group was destined for Canada while the other was on its way to the United States.
"I am glad for this opportunity. It helps me and my family a lot," said Cameron, who is from the rural community of Alston in Clarendon.
Overseas farm-work assignments have been the only way he has been able to afford sending his children to school.
A plus for both parties
Cameron's daughter, Keisha, is studying medicine, while Kim-Marie is pursuing a degree in politics and international relations, both at the University of the West Indies.
When he gets back, Cameron plans to invest a portion of his earnings into a piece of land he owns.
"My plan is to build on a piece of land at home and continue my farming because no money is here. Then my two daughters are in college, so I am going to put money towards that," he added.
Head of the Canadian Overseas Employment programme, Ellis Williams, told The Gleaner that she saw the programme as a plus for both parties.
"Jamaica, on a whole, benefits from this programme. When you send out a farmer, he represents his entire family and the experiences gained overseas are vital," Williams said.
She continued: "The farmers would come back equipped with knowledge and share it with other farmers. Foreign exchange comes into play and they learn how to set up greenhouse farming."
Another farmer, Omar Clarke, of Spring Hill in Portland, has heaped praises on the programme that has acted as a buffer between struggling family economics and relative comfort.
"First, the programme is good. I have a lot of things to take care of and it gives a lot of support," he said.
In six months, Canada and the US will be experiencing winter, something Jamaican farmers don't know much about.
Clarke, who will be gone for at least that long, said he was not too concerned. For him, providing for his family was far more important.
"I have to provide for my family or else somebody will do it for me," he laughed.
"But it's not too bad and we have to endure it because a man we name. Me have to send money to my kid to go school and make my house feel comfortable," added the 33-year-old.