THE EDITOR, Sir:
WELL AFTER the passage of Ivan The Terrible, it is very clear in my mind that there are a lot of lessons to be learnt. We also know that a lot of lessons have been learnt. One of these lessons is that it takes unity to build a nation. The level of nationalism that has been demonstrated throughout this nation is thrilling, inspiring and encouraging and as a people we must work towards investing in Peace, Love and Unity for the cause of nation-building.
While we expect no less from the Prime Minister in the way that he has handled both the pre- and post-Ivan situations in leading the process from the front, let us commend him for living up to our expectations. There are indeed a number of positive and inspired moves that were made by the Prime Minister that deserves mentioning. The appointment of Danville Walker to head the Office Of Reconstruction is one such move. The Jamaica Agricultural Society met with him and he enjoys our full confidence.
COUNTRY BEFORE SELF
Let us all take comfort that the majority of Jamaicans love this country and are always willing to put country before self. The farmers are ready and may we say have started to re-build their lives and rural communities. The message of empowerment of our local community is of fundamental importance and the Jamaica Agricultural Society without compromise will be leading a process in which our farmers and rural people regain the confidence in themselves to take charge of their own destiny.
The $200 million for domestic production and fisheries, announced by the Government for the relief programme is welcomed as a start, as the Prime Minister made clear. The JAS' position is that it is a start and we will work with the ONR and RADA in collaboration to get this in the hands of the farmers in the shortest possible time. This is the only way that the impact of this support will be maximised. Domestic production is most important at this time as all efforts will be made by the farming community to put the country's food security plan back on track in the shortest possible time.
Of course support is required for the other sub-sectors, coffee, banana, citrus, coconut, cocoa and livestock. There is no doubt in my mind that help will be provided. If the government and the private sector can provide support of $1.4 billion or thereabouts in relief for the rebuilding of the agricultural sector over time, that is, some aspects now and further support over a six to twelve months spread, it would be an investment well made and would generate some immediate returns.
From my position, the over $22 billion Hurricane Ivan damage announced by the Prime Minister at his post-Cabinet meeting on Monday, October 4, means that the cost to rebuild to pre-hurricane Ivan position is a huge one and must be approached on a united basis hence my personal feeling of delight in the manner the Prime Minister is handling the process. Let us all give him our total support, commendation and prayer.
A GOOD JOB
The Jamaica Public Service has done a good job in the restoration of power to most of urban Jamaica and a part of rural Jamaica. We fully understand the challenge faced by the light and power company but ask that the restoration of power for rural communities be fast-tracked.
Cable and Wireless has also moved to restore their services in rural communities and the cellular phones providers have given a good account of themselves in the restoration process. For the regular telephone service, Cable and Wireless good job so far, let us finish the process quickly.
Clearance of blocked roads is progressing fairly well and while the JAS knows that the NWA has their information centre intact, the JAS undertakes to advise the authority through the Office of Reconstruction on the deep rural roads that need clearance. There are some of these roads where the rural dwellers have created some clearance but heavy equipment is required. There are some areas that are cut off and some farmers are unable to get to their farms. Top Mountain and Westphalia in St. Andrew are examples.
Dr. Fenton Ferguson has been moving around and will focus on the deep rural roads. The farmers are committed to the process and will produce the food.
I am, etc.,
SENATOR NORMAN
WASHINGTON GRANT
cbsnorman@kasnet.com
President, Jamaica
Agricultural Society
and Chairman
Jamaica 4H Clubs.
