Toxic fumes believed to have caused farm workers' deaths

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

Highly toxic fumes are believed to be the root cause for the deaths of two Jamaican farm workers at the Filsinger Farm in Owen Sound in Toronto, Canada, on Friday.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles, while expressing sympathy for the families of the men, said the Government had instructed the Liaison Service in Canada to offer legal support, as well as institute an immediate investigation into the incident.

The two workers have been identified as Ralston White, of a Manchester address, and Paul Roach, who once resided in Clarendon.

Charles said an official statement would be made on the issue as soon as the autopsies have been completed.

In the meantime, the minister said it was believed that the two workers killed were part of a trio tasked with manning a cider machine from which the deadly fumes emanated.

One of the men was reportedly attempting to rescue his co-worker, who had already been overcome by the fumes, when he too collapsed. The third worker, who ran to get help, was spared.

Very saddened

In the meantime, Jamaica consul general to Toronto, Seth George Ramocan, has expressed shock at the sudden death of the workers. "We are very saddened by the untimely loss of our two Jamaican men. Our hearts go out to the families," he said.

He said the Consulate General will monitor all news and keep in close touch with the Jamaica Liaison Service. The Jamaica Farm Work Programme began in Canada in 1964, and this year, more than 6,000 Jamaicans were employed on more than 300 Canadian farms.