Westmoreland is facing a bitter and unsure financial future because between December 2008 and January 2009, the parish has experienced 113 cane fires with many cane fields burnt to the ground reportedly by arsonists.

This compares with 21 fires during the same period in the previous 12 months. That's according to Gleaner report of February 16.

I am calling on all the members of parliament and councillors for Westmoreland, the prime minister, the Opposition, P. J. Patterson, the minister of agriculture and the security forces to do whatever it takes to stop the economic strangulation of this parish.

This matter should be addressed expeditiously as apart from these fires, sugar, the lifeblood of sections of Westmoreland is facing an uncertain future. With the sugar industry in limbo and Jamaica on the edge of grave economic decline, we cannot afford to inject more hardships on our people.

I am, etc.,

VERNA GORDON BINNS

theashton@cwjamaica.com

PO Box 123

Black River

St Elizabeth