Dear Editor,
During the 2023 Budget Debate, Agriculture Minister Zulifkar Mustapha told the National Assembly that smoke would come from the chimney of Rose Hall Estate during the second half of this year.
I was pleased when I heard the Minister, and felt that it was yet another promise being delivered by the Government. I was therefore full of elation when I visited some relatives in Canje recently. I told them that the estate would soon be back in the swing of things, and some normalcy would return.
Editor, I was shocked when relatives and others in the community told me they did not believe that the estate would operate this year. They shared with me that they felt that maybe the Minister was misled.
I was told, Editor, that many components are still to be installed, and a major machine had recently been examined by overseas personnel to determine what was required. I learned, too, that the former GuySuCo Director who was responsible for the factory works has now been named the Estate Manager.
Editor, I am reminded that dew can’t full what rain can’t. They told me the new manager has not even met the workers since his arrival at Rose Hall, and they are unaware of his plans.
Editor, I am hoping that those with whom I spoke in Canje are mistaken, and Rose Hall Estate would start operating later this year. I urge the Minister to make an on-the-ground visit, as it is widely felt that GuySuCo people are misleading him and the Government.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Singh
