By Derrick Scott
Washington, DC – Jamaica’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Shahine Robinson is pursuing plans to increase the seasonal work program with the United States. She made this announcement after a meeting with top-level officials in the US Department of Labor, the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC.
According to the minister, the talks were fruitful and from all indications the response to the request was positive.
At present there are 7,000 Jamaicans participating in the program in the United States: 4,981 of them in the farm work program and 1,693 in hospitality. “I am looking to double this figure, as this program is important to the Jamaican worker and to the economy as well as to the US.”
Minister Robinson along with State Minister in the Ministry of Labor and Socila Security Hon. Zavia Mayne were in Washington where discussions were held with US Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs in the Department of Labor Martha Newton; US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in the Department of State, Carl Risch; and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Dougherty.
The minister along with her delegation who were on an official visit to the United States from August 13 – 17, toured farms in Albany, New York, where she met with over 60 workers, and employers some of whom have been with the program for over forty years. She also visited hotel workers in Sea Island Resort in Georgia, which employs over 170 Jamaican workers under the hospitality program. Seventy workers were presented with certificates recognizing their participation for four consecutive years.
Photo Derrick Scott
In addressing the 75th anniversary launch of the US Seasonal Program at a reception at the Embassy of Jamaica, Minister. Robinson pointed out that the program was born out of the need to address a labor shortage in the United States in 1943. After seventy five years, it has proven to be one of the longest relationships between Jamaica and the US. “Indeed, it is a fine example of cooperation, friendship, sincerity and commitment. A relationship worthy of emulation,” the minister said.
Minister Robinson said that Jamaicans from all strata have been beneficiaries of this program, directly or indirectly. It is a program that has stayed with us through decades of changes, war, self-government into independence and continues to play a significant role in improving the lives of Jamaicans.
The minister disclosed that there will be year-long activities in Jamaica and the US to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the US Seasonal Workers Program. The minister’s delegation consisted of Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks; Director of Industrial Relations and Allied Services, Jillian Corrodus; Advisor to the minister Beatrice Roden; and Jamaica Central Labour Organization Chief Liaison Officer Methelina Scarlett-Jones.
