The Canada/Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP) is a very strong and resilient programme.
This view was shared yesterday by Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan as he addressed delegates from the region and Canada. They were on island for the four-day Annual Review Meeting, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill St. Michael, that runs from November 12 to 15.
Noting the programme, initiated almost six decades ago, had witnessed several developments over time, Minister Jordan said: “I think what has emerged out of all that has gone on, speaks to the fact that we have a very strong and resilient programme.”
He also acknowledged that Canada had shown strong support for the Caribbean, in many ways, over the period of the programme. While stressing the SAWP could be considered one of the oldest agreements, having produced mutual benefits for citizens, companies and countries, he noted Barbados’ exchanges were not limited to just this programme, but the country had maintained a trading relationship with Canada since 1907.
“According to the Barbados Economic and Social Report 2022, Barbados exported $25.34 million in goods to Canada and imported $93.1 million in goods from Canada,” stated Mr. Jordan, as he further described the SAWP as having been forged “in a crucible of challenge and some very interesting dynamics”.
“We are gathered on the shoulders of persons who have done significant work, significant lobbying, significant ‘shoulder to the wheel’ work, over many years,” he said, as he expressed pleasure that Barbados had been given the opportunity to host the Annual Review Meeting, especially during the Month of Independence. He noted it was a celebration of the “longevity of a pivotal programme both to Canada and the Caribbean”.
“We are able to say that this programme has helped to build Canada’s capacity for food security; it has helped to build Canada’s export of agricultural produce and it has been done through the diligence and hard work of many workers who, over the last 58 years, have been a part of this seasonal agricultural workers programme.
“That contribution to food security is even more important today because today, we battle the negative impacts of the climate crisis on food production, across the world – fires, floods, all kinds of impacts,” he stated.
Adding it was genuinely a mutually beneficial programme where Barbadians were able to send their children to school; build homes, take care of elderly relatives and persons with disabilities, he said it also helped Canada’s agricultural sector build its capacity for food security and its ability to export.
Declaring that Government regards all Barbadian workers in Canada as “ambassadors”, the Labour Minister remarked: “We implore them to maintain and protect the ‘Barbados Brand’. We try as far as we can to do our due diligence in terms of screening persons who will join the programme.”
Minister Jordan revealed that Government had also implemented a programme that encourages prospective Barbadian workers to take advantage of online training courses offered by the National Transformation Initiative. While noting that these address core competencies such as work attitudes, conflict resolution skills and teamwork, he said employers could be assured the aim is to continue to provide Barbadian workers of the highest calibre to this programme.
The delegates were also reminded that Caribbean people are highly skilled, highly motivated and would continue to prove themselves to all the employers in the SAWP.
To this end, the Minister, noting it was welcomed news to hear there would be new opportunities for Barbadians in fish and sea-food processing, said: “We are ready, and have proven that we are more than capable, to provide workers to address the shortages many industries face in recruiting and retaining skilled workers. As partners, we must explore more opportunities and continue to modernise our programmes.”
Mr. Jordan, in commending the emphasis SAWP placed on Annual Review Meetings, stressed that Barbados was “very happy” that the approach being taken by the Canadian Government includes discussion “so that the programme that is crafted at the end of the process will be a programme that we’ve all been able to make input into.”