THE EDITOR, Sir:
HAVING WORKED very closely with the farmers of this country for many years, I am convinced that they deserve every assistance that they can get.
However, I must caution that careful thinking must be exercised in formulating assistance packages.
Recently the Minister of Finance announced the "forgiveness" of over $500 million to sugar cane farmers.
Is he aware that there were several other sugar cane farmers that received loans under the same scheme and diligently paid it back?
These are the ones that played by the rules. Many of those that received the 'forgiveness' were the delinquent ones.
In my view, what should have been done, was to formulate a programme where 50 per cent of the loan granted would be converted into a grant.
Those farmers who paid up would then be refunded 50 per cent of the total sum borrowed. Those who have not yet paid 50 per cent of the amount loaned to them would be required to do so. In such a manner, this great concession would be accessible to all.
I do remember over a year ago, the National Irrigation Commission wrote off a portion of debt owed by farmers for water consumed. Who benefited? Again the ones that were delinquent. Again those who honoured their responsibilities were left in the cold.
Finally, while all these 'goodies' are going around, the government must remember the poor coffee farmers in the hills of Portland, who have no roads to get their coffee to the depot.
I speak specifically of the four-mile strip of road in the Spring Hill area beyond Mahoe.
One week with a tractor could solve their problems. They are proud people not seeking handouts. They only need some assistance to help themselves. They contribute a lot to the government coffers and this cannot be said for most that are being specially treated.
I am, etc.,
CYRIL S. BRIDGE
A friend of all farmers
Kingston 6
cbridge@kasnet.com
