Dear Editor,
I was pleased and contented to hear Ian McDonald comparing the sugar industry from its inception to now; that is, 1966 to 2012. That comparison has enlightened my horizon and made me not to be indifferent when our breadbasket closed right before our eyes, which will lead us to starvation.
I am no politician nor I don’t support any propaganda of any political party, I just want to be a good and a committed citizen of this nation, in other words, a common man. I would like us to give serious thought into this closure of the sugar industry because it will breed other problems such as lawlessness and social issues.
I know that the industry is being bailed out by State funds because of negative returns. But, can we not look back and thank the industry, which has fed so many poor people in this nation.
Many families have depended on the industry to survive. Those cane cutters who shed their sweat have kept this industry alive to date. Any changes done by the air-conditioned office members will directly affect the stomachs of those cane cutters in the sun. By closing the industry you are hitting a very hard blow on the stomachs of the poor people. Where will they go? What is the alternative?
But my real concern is, where are our religious leaders? Are they just being quiet because it does not affect them? Do they care about the poor? I have not heard any religious leader speak against the closure of the sugar industry. I am puzzled at the silence of the religious leaders. I am saying this because religious leaders must have a neutral view, not siding with any party but siding with the needy and the poor. We need our religious leaders to come out and speak their minds but please do it with utmost charity and like a common man. Religious leaders must not remain indifferent because you have to be voice of the poor. We need our religious leaders to speak for the poor. They need to intervene in the negotiations with the State leaders without taking any side. Sometimes I wonder whether our religious leaders have no duty to the poor. My humble request to all religious leaders of every religion and denomination is to hold a public meeting with the people so that we can help develop this nation.
I implore and beg our religious leaders to come to the streets and see the reality as it is and don’t be fooled by the informants who might have hidden agendas to buy you to suit their opinion.
Sincerely,
Kevin Anselm Williams
