Black Immigrant Daily News

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Labour Minister Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte has announced a full investigation into reports that Saint Lucian farm workers suffered ill-treatment in Canada.

“The OECS and the Labour Department that is responsible for the farm workers in Canada – they are actually carrying out a full investigation,” the former trade unionist told reporters on Monday.

Last week, Saint Lucian Latoya Ben claimed that female workers were subjected to physical and verbal abuse on a strawberry farm in Canada, including being called ‘hungry dogs’.

“I am fully aware of the situation but I cannot give you the details of what exactly transpired, to what extent what the lady said is true or not true. So when we get the report that is coming out of the investigation we will make it available to the media,” Albert-Poyotte stated.

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She disclosed that the OECS will also issue a press statement.

“I leave the departments responsible for the workers that went to Canada to speak very forcefully and in detail in giving the public the necessary information that they need,” the Minister stated.

Forty Saint Lucian women made history earlier this year as the first batch of females to enroll in the seasonal farm workers programme in Nova Scotia, Canada.

But Jamaica is reported to have withdrawn its workers from four Canadian farms since the start of this year due to unacceptable conditions.

Migrants and migrant-led organizations in Canada are urging equal rights, benefits and essential services for migrants.

One of them is the grassroots movement for migrant workers’ rights – ‘No One Is Illegal’ (NOII).

On its Facebook page, NOII said it regularly receives reports of abuse from migrant farm workers throughout the province and is supporting workers to organise.

According to the group, temporary immigration status in Canada makes it difficult for migrant workers to speak out about the abuse they are experiencing.

NOII explained that those who speak out can be fired, sent back to their home country, and not called back again.

Headline photo: Stock image

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NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

The Barbados Meteorological Services is closely monitoring the progress of a tropical wave located near 48W south of 13N as of 11 am today (September 19, 2022).

According to the statement issued, convection associated with the tropical wave is disorganized at this time as it moves slowly westward at 10 to 15 knots.

Current model guidance suggests that any development will be slow to occur over the next few days. However, regardless of development, the tropical wave is expected to affect the island sometime between Wednesday and Thursday this week.

During its passage, there is the possibility of two to four inches of rainfall and a deterioration in sea conditions which may warrant the issuance of watches/warnings from tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

The next update will be in 24 hours, around 12 noon tomorrow or sooner if conditions warrant.

NewsAmericasNow.com