– Minister Persaud tells sugar workers, residents of Skeldon
AGRICULTURE Minister, Robert Persaud, speaking yesterday at the commissioning of an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) centre at the Skeldon Community Centre, warned that society must be aware of the methods of distractions that are usually contrived whenever national elections are imminent.
He referred to the negative comments and criticisms surrounding government’s ‘One Laptop per Family’ initiative, pointing out that its investment in the fibre optic cable system was designed to offer better bandwidth, for reliable internet access.
“This is the year of national elections and as you know, around elections time it is referred to as the silly season where you see a lot of actions that are not helpful to the development process,” he said.
“In fact, you see those with their own agendas whether in the newspapers or television, that are seeking to discredit this programme and I want to put you on alert because it is the same thing they seek to do with the hydro project and the other initiative,” he said.
He noted that while the government has been investing huge sums in the country’s development, there is a ‘cabal’ who wants to keeps the country behind, adding that investments will move ahead despite negative challenges.
Minister Persaud said that with each investment the government makes, the critics become irrelevant, reiterating that any input in the sugar industry must also be seen as one for the development of the country.
“We will not be deterred or distracted since we are much focused. Elections or no elections we are very focused in moving this country forward and creating the opportunities for our people whether in sugar, rice or bauxite our commitment is firm and we will not be moved by those who want to take this country back,” he said.
Minister Persaud assured residents that the government will not step back or slow down from its vision, noting that the President has made it clear that the development of the country is building on a firm foundation.