Dear Editor,
WE ARE daunted by the many ills presently pervading our region, and in particular the people as a whole. It is incumbent upon every citizen to work with, and be supportive of, the Government. The nation expects Government to establish policies to augment health, safety, security and economic protection, and to keep the engine of growth at a persistent level that is parallel to other countries.We have received political change with the passing of time, but to date, we expect to achieve best practice. However, the present pattern indicates that the future will be dull.

Today, the security of this nation is threatened by the inability of the police to get above the criminals plaguing our society. The prevalence of crime, if not arrested quickly, will be inimical to economic development, and will stimulate migration. Many businesses will close because of fear as to who will be the next victim.

We demand maximum effort to end the episode of this nation and society as a whole merely inching towards national development.

One of our main foreign currency earners suffered blows with the loss of a lucrative market and price, and this will create added financial burden on the rice industry, reduce growth of the nation, and impact people’s lives. Mammoth effort is needed by the relevant ministry to replace what is lost.

Announcement of the eminent closure of Wales Estate is yet another blow to this nation’s economic well-being. Closure of that estate will impact sternly upon the lives of people living in Region Three. We are sure that prudent management can return this estate to profitability, making it once again add to the nation’s coffers. We intend to engage Government and coordinate efforts to stop this unrealistic announcement.

We need Government to establish agro-processing plants to facilitate the preservation of excessive un-marketed and perishable farm produce.

In short, Region Three requests the following: stamp out illegal trade; end encumbrance of roads and reserves; create bypass roads in congested areas; develop new roads; provide youths with farmland as an alternative to unemployment and training; establish industrial sites to create employment; and utilize the market tarmacs for vending.

The Chamber is eager to enter into dialogue with all stakeholders in regard to national development.

R. SUGRIM
Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Region Three