Jamaican farm worker dies in Canada

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security today confirmed reports that Jamaican farm worker Daniel Brown died earlier this month, during a stint in Canada on the work programme.

According to a release from the ministry, on the morning of October 8, the Acting Chief Liaison Officer, Althea Riley, was contacted and advised that Brown had been found unresponsive in his room by one of his co-workers.

"The paramedics were immediately called, and he was pronounced dead. It was reported that he had returned home from work the previous evening, prepared a meal, and went to bed as usual," the ministry said Tuesday.

The ministry said, after receiving this information, senior members of the its Family Services Unit and the Liaison Service met with Brown's next of kin to offer support and provide updates.

"Subsequently, the team has visited with Mr Brown's next of kin on several occasions since his passing. The Ministry has consistently kept the family updated on matters relating to Mr Brown's passing and has shared any new information received by the coroner and other entities in Canada as soon as it is received," the release outlined.

Earlier this month, a non-profit legal clinic in Ontario, Canada, had criticised the Jamaican Government over what it said was its lethargic response in helping injured farm workers get compensation from its Canadian counterpart.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr has, however, rebuffed the claim.

- Andre Williams

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