The Editor, Sir:

In light of the recent upsurge about the recent decisions made by our agriculture minister to divest a number of our sugar factories, I must hasten to add that I laud him for the said move.

The crisis that not only Jamaica but the world is facing, as it relates to rise in prices, largely contributory to the daily fuel price increases on the global market, I'm afraid to say is not going to stop anytime soon.

The Government and Opposition should work in conjunction to come up with alternative sources of fuel, among other daily necessities, to tackle the global crisis we currently face.

The truth of the matter is that the sugar factories could use a well-needed facelift, equipped with modern technology that could make cane farmers' lives much easier.

The country is indebted and the economy could use as many boosts as possible.

The use of sugar cane to produce ethanol as a means of fuel would be a relief to motorists, but only if they are educated on the topic. In Brazil, where the E-85 (i.e., 85 per cent of ethanol and 15 per cent gasolene) is widely used, results in a reduction in pollution.

The mistake that is constantly made by authorities of this country is to make the public aware of the developments at the last minute.

The government must ensure that we are not jumping from the frying pan into the fire. If the Brazilian company is worse off than any of our own, then the cane factories should not be divested to them.

I am etc,.

CHARMALEE FRANKSON

cfrankson20@yahoo.com

Kitson Town, St. Catherine