GANJA FARM KIDS - YOUTHS TAKEN OUT OF SCHOOL, PUT TO WORK IN GANJA FIELDS

Scores of children - some from very poor families - across Western
Jamaica are being lured out of school to work in ganja fields,
helping with the mass production of the narcotic drug for export.

The increase in ganja production over the past six years has kept
Jamaica on the United States' 'blacklist' as one of the major
drug-producing countries.

"We have seen evidence to suggest that children are helping in the
cultivation of the drug," head of the Narcotics Division, Senior
Superintendent Carlton Wilson, told The Gleaner when contacted yesterday.

His comment was supported by another senior officer who confirmed
that "it is something that has been happening."

Confirmation

A number of farmers from western Jamaica who spoke with The Gleaner
yesterday, on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that children
have been kept busy in the fields cultivating ganja.

John Wayneof St. Elizabeth said he knew of several children who had
been used to assist in the mass production of the illegal drug within
the parish, an issue about which people in that community have
expressed concern.

He claimed that both boys and girls as young as 12 years old, are
involved on a part-time basis.

"When they reach middle teen some drop out of school and plant it
(ganja) full-time," said John Wayne.

While some cultivate their own ganja fields when they grow older,
others who attend school on the shift system are used to tend to the
marijuana fields before and after classes.

"I doubt if they are paid. They go on the farm with relatives, get a
pocket money or something like that," said Mr. Wayne.

He pointed to the communities of Slipe and Vineyard that are about
three and five miles, respectively, from the parish capital of Black
River, where children are involved in ganja cultivation.

In the meantime, a Westmoreland farmer told The Gleaner that children
are not allowed on ganja farms as it is the perception that they talk
a lot. According to him, there is at least one ganja farm operating
in the parish that has a vehicle specifically for the use of
transporting workers to and from the location.

Meanwhile, Children's Advocate Mary Clarke yesterday condemned
parents whose children engage in the cultivation of ganja. She noted
that parents should be held accountable for this criminal act and
called for compulsory school attendance and truancy officers in schools.

"I think we have reached the point where we need compulsory
education," said Mrs. Clarke, adding that children ought to be in
schools, where the necessary knowledge is imparted and not in ganja fields.

Mrs. Clarke noted that the literacy rate was unsatisfactory and
chided parents who keep their children away from school.

She reminded parents that there is the Programme of Advancement
Through Health and Education to assist those who cannot afford to
send their children to school.

Education Minister Andrew Holness said the government is to soon
implement compulsory education up to age 18 which, will include
compulsory attendance and compulsory enrolment.

On Monday the narcotics police seized over 11,300 pounds of
compressed ganja, which has a street value of close to $1 billion.
The drug was intercepted at Gordon Cay in the Kingston Harbour. One
man has been arrested.

Staff Reporter Shelly-Ann Thompson also contributed to this story.