Five Jamaican farmer workers, who were relieved of their duties and shipped back to Jamaica, are set to provide written statements to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged victimisation of the workers.

On Friday, August 18, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., along with senior ministry officials with responsibility for the Overseas Employment Programme, met with four of the five farmers who were repatriated on August 8.

According to the ministry, the fifth farm worker, who was also invited to the meeting, indicated that he couldn’t attend.

Charles Jr. urged the workers who were in attendance to openly share their perspectives concerning the circumstances surrounding their return and any relevant information that could assist in the investigation.

The labour ministry said that the four farm workers have indicated that they are aware of a report being circulated in the media about the circumstances surrounding their repatriation. However, they have indicated that they have not spoken to the media or anyone connected to the media.

“They indicated, however, that they were aware that two media representatives had visited the farm in days prior to their departure,” the labour ministry said.

Reports are that the men, who were based on a farm in Ontario, Canada, stayed off the job to protest their living conditions.

The farm workers reportedly have expressed their disappointment in returning home earlier than expected and expressed concerns about their prospects for future participation in the programme.