MAN, by virtue of innate characteristics, responds to situations whether criminal or civil. It is an established fact that a coin has two sides and in the same ways, two parties will each speak their version.

You be the judge. Hereunder, is our response to an article that was made public in the Kaieteur News of Monday May 18, 2009 by Melissa Johnson, headlined, ‘Cattle farmers call for intervention to save industry under threat in the ancient county.’

To supplement our already heavily depleted income, my partner and I on a cooperative basis decided to plant a portion of farmland situated at Number 59 foreshore. We invested in excess of $180,000 to fence, plant, chemical weed control, inorganic fertilisers, transportation and insecticides. We planted our farm in three stages. By virtue of our careful planning and crop husbandry, our watermelon farm flourished, a scenic beauty to behold with the naked eye.

We commenced on a very careful surveillance of our investments because of climbing maintenance cost. We were bidding time for the third stage of crop to be mature so that we could have harvested the second and third stages together when disaster struck. On May 4, 2009, I spot checked the farm about 12:30 hours since it is within driving distance from my workplace and it was during my lunch break and every thing was intact. The same afternoon about 17:30 hours while going home from work accompanied by a friend, I decided to visit the farm again.

To my surprise, the very cattle mentioned in the article were having a real orchestrated happy hour(s) in the farm. I could not believe what I was seeing, since my strength had failed me. I then called my partner and told him and he told me that he would inform his father to get some boys to take the cattle to the pound. By the time they arrived, the cattle were getting uncontrollable. I then called a group of authorised stray catchers to assist us in taking the cattle to the pound.

While we were taking the cattle to the pound along the Number 59 Beach, one of the cattle farmers, Chatterpaul Sumsar, came with a motor bike. I told him that the cattle had damaged my farm and I am taking them to the pound. I offered him the chance to sit and discuss to see if we could come to a settlement since the entire farm was destroyed. Shortly after, the group of stray catchers arrived and we took the cattle to Number 64 Pound where they were impounded. The following day Chatterpaul Sumsar, another cattle farmer, a neighbourhood police and I visited the farm and the damages shown to them. Two days after, Dr Halley and some crop officers visited the farm and saw the damages incurred.

I am still wondering today whether this act was premeditated since it was evident that the barbwire between the two posts through which the cattle entered the farm appeared to be severed by man. The claim by these farmers is not the picture to what really occurred. It was not our responsibility to feed or provide for the cattle and the cattle were not left or placed in mud since it was not the rainy season.

The effort by us to regain our losses through appraised damages is only human since this cannot compensate us for the losses (3,000 watermelons at least eight pounds each which is equal 24,000 pounds, which would have been sold for $30 per pound, this would be equivalent to $720,000).

We may be wrong or right but we were farming on this plot of land for over 30 years and not only us but other persons too. To my knowledge and from other farmers this is not the first time that cattle have destroyed farms in the area and nothing done. It is understood only by some, that a vegetable farmer is free to clear land suitable for the crop he/she has in mind and plant. Our Minister of Agriculture, the President, Regional Officials and the lot in their ‘Grow More’ food campaign is repeatedly emphasizing this particular concept. We did not commit ourselves; all we tried to do was an honest way to supplement our income.

Just imagine the condition under which we farm. Our normal work commenced at 08:00 hours and concluded at 16:30 hours on a daily basis except on weekends. We would be at the farm at 05:00 hours to 07:00 hours then left for work, check the farm during our lunch break, which is 12:00 hours – 13:00 hours, then return to the farm at 17:00 hours and remain until nightfall.

Is it the responsibility of livestock owner(s) to keep his/her stock away from the cultivated areas, be it State, transported, or lease.

Is this the satisfaction we can get from these cattle farmers, total destruction? In my sound mind and judgement, damages incurred by free roaming livestock must be paid for.

The matter is with the regional authorities at present Further, I say not
A concerned and hurt farmer.
DELON CLARKE