I RECENTLY heard on the Evening News, Channel 28, dated January 12, 2011, and read an article in the Guyana Times titled “Plaisance cane farmers losing big due to clogged canal” dated January 13, 2011, which is riddled with a number of inaccuracies.
I am a large cane farmer on the East Coast of Demerara and have been in touch with many other private cane farmers.
What I find very misleading about these stories is that they mention 20 Plaisance cane farmers who are members of the Plaisance Co-operative Society when such a Society does not exist. For clarity sake, the name of the Society is the La Bonne Intention United Cane Farmers Co-op Society Ltd and its members, 20 in number are from three areas: Diamond, Beterverwagting and Plaisance.
What is quite notable is that Mr. Ernest Norman is not part of the Co-operative but his father is a member. It would appear that these few persons who are making false statements are trying to bring disrepute to the co-op to fulfil their own personal agendas and further to disrupt operations of this vibrant co-operative.
With regard to the clogged canals that are affecting farmers, the work was sent out for tender after a large machine was sent by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, but the work was not completed since there were narrow patches on the middle walk and a much smaller machine was needed. I have learnt that a contract has been awarded and a commencement order was given on January 6, 2011. From speaking to farmers from the Plaisance area, I have learnt that the work is scheduled to commence shortly since surveying by the contractor is presently being undertaken.
In light of these facts, it is my view as well as the view of many farmers in the area that farmers will not be adversely affected for the first crop, since I understand works will commence from north to south thereby giving farmers access to harvest canes.
What is also being misrepresented is the accusation being meted out to an official of the so called “Plaisance Co-operative Society” who supposedly takes inaccurate measurements of cane harvested. As a cane farmer who usually observes the procedure of harvested cane being weighed, I can clearly say that the official to whom those persons have referred is not involved in weighing of the canes since it is done by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) solely. The official merely checks the number on the punts nothing else.
The editors, of the Evening News and the Guyana Times should have sought clarification before publishing/broadcasting such a biased story. This is not normal journalistic practice and I do hope the relevant authorities will be responding to clear the air of this mischief being propagated by Evening News and Guyana Times. The Editors, need to adhere to normal practice and not be duped by individuals or groups with hidden agendas.
I would urge my fellow private cane farmers to be truthful in these matters. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) needs our support and it is not time for political games or fulfilling personal agendas. Let us all be aware of those propagating untruth and hiding behind masks.