The GAWU was very disturbed having read an article entitled “Two Government Ministers differ over move to lay off Rose Hall sugar workers before year end” which was published on December 05, 2017 by news website – Newssource. That article reports Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder as saying in reference to the closure and sell-out of estates that “…the move was in the pipeline for some two years”.
From the Minister’s shocking, and maybe inadvertent admission, we have unceremoniously been told that the APNU/AFC Administration seemingly since the latter part of 2015 has had on the cards the cutting down of the sugar industry. This speaks a mouthful. Clearly, as some have opined and now confirmed by a Senior Administration Official, the Government was not honest when it said it wanted to save the sugar industry. Undoubtedly, it was engaged in mere theatrics when it invited the trade unions in the industry and the Opposition to receive views on protecting and safeguarding sugar.
For the GAWU and moreso the thousands of sugar workers who are affected by the cruel sugar plans, the Minister’s admission adds further insult to the injuries received from the Administration. At this time, a strong feeling of being deceived runs though the workers, the overwhelming majority of who have come to the sad realization that the APNU/AFC has never had their interests and concerns at heart.
As the Government writes a painful chapter of our history, this recklessness shown in the sugar industry will also, no doubt, be a telling blow directed at the growth and vibrancy of our economy and our country.
