GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES THE ROLE THAT THE FARM WORKER PLAYS IN REVITALIZING RURAL COMMUNITIES AND THE NATION’S ECONOMY.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved concessions on personal effects, tools of trade and motor vehicles for workers on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – Canada or any other worker program coordinated or endorsed by the Government of Saint Lucia provided that they satisfy a set criteria.

The Government of Saint Lucia recognizes the significant impact that the program has in reducing the level of indigence and the role that the farm worker dollar plays in revitalizing not only the rural communities but the nation’s economy.

As with all sectors worldwide the program was severely hampered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increasing cost of chartered flights, mandatory quarantine on arrival in Canada, reduced movement resulting in the purchase of items from vendors at a higher cost the purchasing power of the workers was severely hampered. It is with this in mind coupled with a reduction in work and earning capacity of the workers that the Government of Saint Lucia thought it prudent to waive the quarantine fees for returning farm workers.

The Government of Saint Lucia is of the view that the result would be a win win situation as the money earned would be spent on their families and thus contribute to the revitalization of the economy.