My name is Leroy. I’ve been coming here since 1987 and have always worked at this farm. In Jamaica, they gave us a card with information about the programs available to work in Canada. I decided I was going to try it. Here I am today, on the same farm 36 years later.
My job here is to supervise the team and keep track of the crop to ensure everything goes the right way. On this farm, we grow sour cherries, peaches and pears and process cherries in the factory for juice.
When I’m back home, I do some of the same things. I farm, plant some lettuce, cabbage and other things and bring it to the market to earn extra money. I go home in November and comeback at the end of March.
Being in Canada has helped me a lot. It’s helped me afford to send my four kids to college. My kids are grown, so it is just me and my wife back home. My oldest child is 30, and my youngest is 21.
Many Canadians need help understanding what we go through to be here for work. They should know that leaving home and your family is very hard. Canada is a good environment, and it’s clean and beautiful. When it’s hot, it’s hot, but when it’s cold, it’s very COLD!
I enjoy playing cricket and watching the Toronto Blue Jays and basketball games.