THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE ST. Thomas Parish Council during their monthly meeting revealed that the Public Health Department served notice on the developers of the Duckensfield Housing Scheme for serious breaches that could trigger major environmental and health hazards in that community.
The over 50 one- and two-bedroom dwellings which were constructed for housing sugar workers have no independent toilets. "The three toilets which currently serve a scheme occupied by so many families are woefully inadequate," Public Health Inspector Charles Lewis told the meeting. There is no piped water for domestic purposes.
Employees in the sugar industry especially cane-cutters do not benefit from profit derived from sugar. This is why most Jamaicans can afford to buy a pound of sugar somewhat comfortably. Sugar cane-producing communities do not reflect the development and modern standard of progress over time.
Cane-cutters are treated as lesser human beings. Apart from being grossly underpaid, they have to work long hours under tedious conditions. Recently, seven employees, in the industry died within a month under tragic circumstances. This includes five Indian nationals perished in a fire at their dwellings. The other two died at their respective factories also under tragic circumstances.
The present impasse between the sugar industry and the European Union over price cuts, should be enough for the Government to abandon the industry and find alternate by-products. This would be in the best interest of the country, and by extension the employees.
I am, etc.,
ROY CRUICKSHANK
Port Morant P.O.
St. Thomas
