KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica-based JN Money Wednesday said it has established a short-term loan facility designed specifically for Jamaican seasonal farmworkers in Canada providing access to financing when their earnings are processed late.
Jamaican Linton Pearson, who works on a Canadian farmJN Money said that for many seasonal farmworkers in Canada, the start of the agricultural season can bring a financial squeeze and while they settle into work and await their regular earnings, responsibilities at home in Jamaica continue, creating a need for timely access to funds.
The company said that the new facility will help workers to meet urgent financial commitments while they continue to adjust to the demands of the farming season in Canada.
JN Money Regional Manager, Claude Thompson, said the facility was developed in response to the financial realities faced by seasonal farmworkers.
“The beginning of the farming season is often challenging for them as they are settling into work in Canada while at the same time, they have important financial commitments to meet back home,” Thompson said.
“This loan facility provides that timely bridge when funds may be limited, giving workers greater flexibility to address urgent needs while they wait for their salary,” he added.
Now in its 60th year, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme has provided employment opportunities for thousands of Jamaicans and other nationals, while helping to supply much-needed labour to Canada’s agricultural sector.
Jamaican Linton Pearson, who has returned to Canada annually for the past 26 years as part of the programme said that the new facility is providing valuable support.
“It is very helpful. You can accomplish what you like to do in the future. It is a wonderful thing,” said Pearson who works from April to November on a vegetable farm alongside nearly 60 other workers including 45 other Jamaicans.
