Following several statements in the media about the low standard of living and poor working conditions of our fellow Haitians in the fields of peas and melons, in southern Georgia, Mr. Gandy Thomas, the Consul General of Haiti in Atlanta, went this Tuesday, July 3 in the town of Ashburn, two hours drive from Atlanta, to visit these workers and take note personally of their complaints.

At the head of a delegation composed of Mr. Moise Garçon, Responsible for Investment, the Press Attaché Michèle Kerlegrand, of Me Kevin Jeudy, lawyer and legal adviser and of well-known members of the press, namely Mr. Chenet Nerette (Power 102) and Joey Cheriscat (Radiofos), Mr. Thomas met with about a dozen compatriots, for the most part, have mainly complained of the lack of work for the season, causing them serious problems in managing their daily lives (rent, food etc..), although they earn about $8 an hour, in accordance with the minimum wage in the United States.

The delegation of the Consulate also visited one of the "Packing House" of the zone, the place where agricultural products are cleaned and sorted before being packaged for distribution. Arriving at the scene, the delegation found that working conditions were acceptable, they work with machine in a shed well ventilated area away from sunlight.

Mr. Thomas Gandy also held talks with Mr. Marc Germain, a Haitian citizen from Miami, who organizes for nearly a decade, according to him, recruitment and distribution of agricultural workers under the contracts concluded with farmers in the region. Mr. Germain explained that his last contract, for those who work at picking peas, ended since May and that these workers are supposed to return home, or, if they decide to stay in Georgia, there are no longer under its responsibility in terms of reference for the contracts of housing and other amenities.

Note that the majority of agricultural workers are from Florida but also of Haiti. It is customary that they stay a minimum of time in different localities of the United States, according to season and the city, especially for picking peas, melons, oranges or tomatoes.

Mr. Thomas wished to clarify to his countrymen that they were not orphans and reiterated the commitment of the Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta, to go towards them wherever they are, to accompany them and ensure that they fulfill their duties and above all, that their rights and integrity as a person, are fully respected.

HL/ HaitiLibre