Gov’t will ensure that Family of Deceased Farm Worker is Compensated – Kellier

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, said that the Government will ensure that the family of deceased farm worker, Horace Clarke, is properly compensated.

The Minister gave the commitment to family members on August 27, during a meeting at his North Street office.

Mr. Clarke, who died in a motor vehicle accident in Canada on August 9, was employed at Chary Produce in Oakland, Ontario.

The Minster, during the meeting, made a presentation to the farm worker's widow, Kareen Clarke, to cover expenses associated with the funeral.

The funds came from the Jamaica Liaison Insurance Plan in Canada, which provides welfare services for workers during the course of their employment.

The Minister also expressed condolences on behalf of the Government. "It is a very sad situation for Mrs. Clarke and the entire family, and all of us at the Ministry here when things like these happen. The whole Government is saddened by it and we are looking forward to ensuring that the family is properly compensated," Mr.  Kellier said.

The Farm Work Programme in Canada began in 1996, and this year, more than 6,000 Jamaicans have participated.

All employers, who engage Jamaican workers, are registered with the Workmen’s Safety Insurance Board, which has responsibility for safety and compensation issues.