Growth & Jobs | Labour ministry hails JN Money partnership advancing welfare of Jamaican farm workers in Canada

As Jamaica marks 60 years of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has commended JN Money Services (JNMS) for its sustained partnership in supporting Jamaican farm workers in Canada and helping their families build greater financial security at home.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, said collaboration between government and the private sector is essential to ensuring that the benefits of overseas employment extend beyond the period of work.

“JN Money Services has been a valuable partner in our efforts to support Jamaican farm workers in Canada. Partnerships such as these are important in ensuring that our workers receive meaningful support while they are overseas and that their families also benefit from the opportunities created through the programme,” he said.

“Our responsibility does not end when a Jamaican worker leaves our shores. We must continue to protect their welfare, strengthen the support available to their families, and help them turn the rewards of their hard work into lasting opportunities. This partnership reflects the kind of practical collaboration that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our farm workers, both in Canada and when they return home,” Minister Charles Jr said.

The minister also pointed to the strong international reputation Jamaican agricultural workers have earned through their competence, preparation and commitment.

“It is a clear signal of the demand for Jamaican workers because of how we have portrayed ourselves, the reputation that we have gained internationally, and the preparation of our workers so that they can be as competent and capable as possible,” he maintained.

focus on social support

Established in 1966 with an initial cohort of 264 Jamaican workers, the SAWP now provides employment opportunities for more than 9,000 Jamaicans annually.

Horace Hines, general manager of JN Money Services, said the programme continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of workers and their families.

“By sending money home, workers are able to provide vital support to their families and contribute to improving their quality of life,” he said. “Our remittance services make it convenient for workers to transfer funds to relatives in Jamaica, helping them pay bills, support their children’s education, and meet other important family commitments,” Hines pointed out.

In July 2024, JN Money formalised its collaboration with the ministry through a memorandum of understanding signed with JN Money Services Canada Limited, a subsidiary of JN Money Services. Working alongside the Jamaican Liaison Service in Canada, the partnership focuses on social support and access to financial services during workers’ overseas employment.

“The partnership allows us to connect with the workers from the time they arrive in Canada and provide information about the services available to them. We recognise that their needs go beyond sending money home, so we work with the Liaison Service to ensure they are aware of the financial solutions and support that can help them during their time in Canada and on their return to Jamaica,” he said.

Hines also highlighted a short-term loan facility intended to assist workers facing cash-flow challenges at the beginning of the agricultural season.

“The start of the agricultural season, in particular, can be a difficult period for workers as they adjust to life and work in Canada while still having financial responsibilities to take care of back home. The loan provides access to funds to manage immediate expenses and meet their commitments before receiving their salary,” Hines explained.

outreach sessions

The collaboration also supports workers’ children through the JN Money Fields of Opportunity Scholarships, launched in July 2025 in partnership with the Ministry through the Jamaican Liaison Service.

“The programme provides six one-year scholarships annually to children of Jamaican farm workers in Canada, with two awards each for students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels,” he pointed out.

JN Money also organises occasional gestures to help workers feel connected to home, including providing Jamaican favourites such as patties and juice.

Monique Broughton, chief representative officer of the JN Bank Canada Representative Office, said the programme’s 60th anniversary reflects the enduring relationship between Jamaica and Canada and its impact across generations of Jamaican families.

“It has opened doors for generations of Jamaican workers, enabling them to maintain a better standard of living. We are pleased that, through our financial services and ongoing engagement, the JN Group has been able to contribute to the well-being of participants throughout their journey,” she said.

She said the JN Group aims to help workers move beyond immediate remittance needs towards savings, financial inclusion and longer-term goals, including home ownership.

“We recognised that the workers needed more than just a way to send money home. Many wanted to know how they could save some of their earnings, access banking services and eventually own a home in Jamaica. This gave us an opportunity to become more involved and help them take steps towards achieving those goals,” she added.

JN Bank representatives also conduct outreach sessions in Simcoe, Ontario, alongside JN Money’s operations, enabling workers to access remittance services and receive assistance with opening accounts.

“This commitment reflects the JN Group’s continued dedication to helping Jamaicans achieve their financial goals, wherever they are. By working together and providing access to financial services, we want to help the workers make the most of their time in Canada while preparing for a better financial future when they return home to Jamaica,” she said.