THE EDITOR, Sir:
BASED ON the way the protracted debate on the Praedial Larceny bill is going one has to wonder if this is really a criminal matter that is being dealt with in Jamaica, land we love.
Honestly, the matter is being downplayed, trivialised and sacrificed in the fire of political cheap talk. Therefore, I am reminded of a similar situation during the time when Sir Alexander Bustamante was Prime Minister. Political frivolities abounded in the whole field of agriculture. In response to this, he wisely warned that politics cannot grow yam and other crops. Neither should farming become a political football.
At the moment, crime prevention, punishment, reporting and enforcement regarding praedial larceny are virtually nil. There are regular statistical reports on murder, rape, robbery and break-ins etc. But when last has anyone seen a police report that lists praedial larceny, which in monetary terms amounts to billions of dollars each year? This is a serious problem for hard-working farmers, who in addition to this must face rising labour costs, increasing daily costs of other inputs plus the unforeseen ravages of pests, storms, floods, drought and productivity/production problems. Farming should not be treated as the 'Cinderella' of the society.
To add insult to injury, during the debate came the 'put-down' that many farmers cannot read and write. It is full time that we elevate the hard work of our farmers, their integrity and commitment above these empty assumptions. It would appear that the farmers who are the victims in this scenario are being held to ransom while those who continue to 'reap where they did not sow' are having a field day robbing and discouraging the farmers of the fruits of their labour, income, peace of mind and general well-being.
The nation should take serious note of those who continue like Nero to 'Fiddle while Rome is burning' when it comes to praedial larceny.
I am, etc.,
REV. DR. FRANK E.
LAWRENCE, J.P.
Box 302, Runaway Bay
St. Ann
