Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me to bring this important issue to attention of the Government and policy body of the rice board. It is alleged that the management of the Burma Rice Research Station is trying to ‘sweep under the carpet’ and ‘cover up’ the story in which in excess of 3.5 million dollars of items have gone missing from the Burma Rice Research Station.I was told that several pieces of machinery were stripped of important components, with few yet to be repaired; and many field and office equipment have disappeared, besides fuel, fertilizer, cash etc. These items were allegedly stolen from the Burma location, and nothing was done by the station head (Dr. Mahendra Persaud) to address this problem.

It is also alleged that the station management knows of several of the deficiencies on the ground leading up to this and has turned a blind eye to it. In my view, it seems to be an inside job, of which some of the ‘fat cats’ appear to be part and parcel. The APNU +AFC Government, Chairman of the Board and General Manager, need to seriously investigate these allegations. This must not be condoned. Strong systems should be put in place to avoid such recurrence in future.

The board needs to take steps now to install a better competent management team to manage the affairs of the Burma Rice Research Station.
Yours truly,
TERRY ROSS