![img: Local produce on display at a World Food Day exhibition in 2013. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/page-10-pic-fi.jpg)
GOVERNMENT is warning Saint Lucians interested in undertaking seasonal agricultural labour in Canada that they must first be aware that it’s not easy – and they should be ready to work hard and long hours, under tough conditions, including sometimes difficult weather.
The Department of Labour issued a statement yesterday “inviting members of the public, who are interested in seeking employment in the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, to collect application forms at the Department from October 24th 2018 to November 12th 2018.”
According to the statement, “This Programme involves working on Farms in Canada in such areas as VEGETABLES, FRUITS, GREEN HOUSES, FLOWERS, TOBACCO, inclusive of NURSERIES, STABLES, POULTRY, SWINE, SHEEP, MINK, DAIRY, BOVINE, APIARY PRODUCTS.”
It also notes that “The length of employment may vary according to the type of work, and can be for periods of three, four, five, six and eight months and for periods of one to two years.”
The statement further adds, “Applicants must be 18 years and older and should note that work on these farms are very strenuous and demanding and involves working very long hours in various types of weather conditions which can be cold, chilly, snowy and rainy.”
Applicants will also be required “to prove that they can meet the full requirements of their employment conditions satisfactorily and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects in the most positive way on themselves and their country, Saint Lucia.”
Application forms are to be collected at the reception desk of the Department of Labour between the hours of 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
The statement also says that if interested, “all persons who previously applied for employment in the Canada Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme during the period 2016–2017 must reapply.”