Good men anxious to return home, but they don’t know what they’ll find.
By John T Ryan Peru, NY, October 29, 2025 – These men were working in Forrence’s Orchard along Old Town Road today. They were on their lunch break but ready to talk. Needless to say, they’re very concerned about their families and property back home in Jamaica. One man from southwest Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa hit the hardest, said he’s very worried about his son, daughter, and mom. All communications are out, so they haven’t been able to communicate with their families.
About 90 men who work for Forrence Orchard planned to leave for home last Monday. Now, they hope to leave next Tuesday or Wednesday. Local apple growers bring almost 500 Jamaican men to Peru each year. About 250 should have already returned home.
The men in this photo have been coming to Peru for many years. Seth Forrence said Dalton Hilton has been coming for than 40 years. One man’s father picked apples for Seth’s uncle Virgil Forrence for 35 years. Then he became a cook for several years before retiring.
I told the men the Peru residents I know consider them members of our community and that we are thinking of and praying for them and their families.
Posted: October 29th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Business News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Upstate New York.