Pay off cane farmers, says TICFA

CHAIRMAN OF the Trinidad Islandwide Cane Farmers Association (TICFA) Raffique Shah wants cane farmers to be paid off as was done with former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd. He said such a payment could save the government and taxpayers in the long run. “Payment to farmers for four years of unharvested cane will be in the vicinity of TT$400 million. This is less than half of what was paid to 9,000 ex-Caroni employees and that for farmers who have, over the past six years or so, supplied more than 60 percent of the overall tonnage of cane which kept the industry going,” Shah said. He said the Sugar Manufacturing Company (SMC) and Government have been advised of their options in the ongoing impasse.

“It’s either the farmers are treated like human beings and allowed to take the lead role in resuscitating the industry, or the Government shuts it down and pays off the farmers,” he said. Shah said Government could address workers’ concerns and other problems that beset the crop so they can achieve the anticipated target of 750,000 tonnes of cane to make at least 65,000 tonnes of sugar.

On the other hand, if Government no longer has an interest in the sugar industry, Shah suggested they call a halt to the crop and spare the farmers the agony they have endured since the crop began in January. “If the latter is to happen, TICFA will insist that all 6,000 farmers be paid off for their cane on a basis no different to the separation packages the company worked out with Caroni’s employees.” Shah said because of the many failures that have affected the crop, farmers have been left “holding the dirty end of the stick.”