SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland:
TWO WEEKS before the start of the 2003/2004 sugar crop in Frome, Westmoreland, the West End Cane Farmers' Association says it is concerned that the projected 55,000 tonnes for the crop will not be met because of illicit cane fires."
"If this situation continues, it is certain that the target for the crop, which begins on December 7, will not be realised," said Astill Sangster, the association's chairman. "We have counted 23 fires and I would give a conservative estimate of losses at 35,000 tonnes of canes costing $9.5 million."
Mr. Sangster said it was important that the police make a special effort to find those who illicitly lit the cane fields and that farmers and contractors should co-operate with the police to deal with the problem. He also said that a series of meetings among sugar interests has been held to sensitise them towards the negative effects of the illicit fires.
Meanwhile, cane farmers say that their farm roads are in a state of disrepair and are in need of urgent improvement.
West End, which has endorsed their claim, also suggested that the annual grant through the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) be released immediately to rehabilitate the roads.
- Cedric Johnson
