Home Letters Where are the protesters for better paddy prices in Anna Regina?
Dear Editor,
The rice crop on Essequibo Coast is in progress and farmers are receiving poor prices for their produce from millers, and the government is doing nothing to help farmers, although they made several promises during the election campaign.
What is most surprising is that the same set of farmers who protested for better prices and prompt payments when the PPP/C was in government are now hiding when the protests are badly needed at Ana Regina.
I am stunned by the actions of those farmers today!
During the PPP/C time in government they were so active in their protest and marches and TV programmes. They were vibrant on top of the Anna Regina High Bridge because they wanted more money and prompt payments. They were not pleased and blocked the Public Road at Reliance in their fight for betterment of the rice industry, although former ministers Ramsammy and Baksh were doing so much for them and the entire industry.
Now the coalition government is in power, the said farmers are afraid to hold any protest for better prices and prompt payments.
Why are they afraid now? Their mouths are now shut to confront the government.
Where are the busy Friday market protest marches during the rice harvesting season at Anna Regina?
Where are the former protest leaders?
The protest is now needed and I call on those who once lead the protests to join with the farmers and prove their love for them.
Farmers must always remember who is responsible for the destruction of the rice industry in the 70s and 80s.
Farmers need to act and not let the industry go further down the drain. The PPP/C Government worked hard in the interest of rice farmers to build the rice industry.
The D&I system was the best in the entire country and rice prospered! Hats off to PPP/C government for developing the rice industry during their years in government.
Regards,
Kevin Singh