Two U.S. Apple Farmers Receive Jamaica’s PM’s Certificate of Appreciation

Washington, DC – Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier has described the United States Jamaica Seasonal Agriculture H2A Program (Farm Worker Program) as one of the most dynamic bilateral, mutually reinforcing job creation program which exists between the United States and Caribbean Community of Nations.

In delivering the keynote address at a luncheon to honor apple growers in Hudson Valley, New York, Minister Kellier pointed out that under the farm work program, both farm owners and workers benefit tremendously.  He further stated that the Hudson Valley community – the 2^nd largest apple growing state in the US – is considered one of the most outstanding in its contribution to the Farm Worker Program both at the domestic and global levels.

The Social Security minister commended and congratulated the apple growers and farm worker who continue to make the annual trip to and from the Hudson Valley to ensure that the partnership inherent in this seventy-three year-old program continues to survive.

The minister added that the growth of Jamaican workers in the Farm Worker Program in the Hudson Valley has benefited the local economy as well as numerous families and communities in Jamaica.  Thirty-two farmers and apple growers were presented with the Prime Minister’s length of service certificate in recognition of the number of years they served in the farm work program.  Mr. David Schreieer of Schreieer Orchard farm was recognized for 63 years while Mr. Robert Minard of WG Minard and Son were honored for 57 years.

ADVERTISEMENT