Betrayed by the man in power

THE EDITOR: I have experienced the sugar cane fields and the factory operations. I have had the privilege to meet those who endured the trials of the eleven to seven shift, those who burned in scorching sun, and soaked in drenching rain.

Those who entered the fields at 4 am, and breathed soot and dust for the sake of sugar. These people were motivated by the challenge of the task, the job to be done, not by the pittance they were paid. But hard work and commitment do not by themselves guarantee profitability, so the industry entered decline more than twenty years ago. Restructuring has been long overdue, but it must be done in a fair manner, free from political expediency and graft. Otherwise we will be taking a large slice of TT back to the bush, creating ghettos where canes once grew. The workers do not trust the PNM to treat them fairly. They have instead their own apostle, the one who promised them a better quality of life once they gave him power.

They struggled for many years, until with sugar workers’ support he was hoisted into government. The workers had reasonable expectations that he would place their issues and concerns at the top of his agenda. Instead he migrated into the bosom of the once hated parasitic oligarchy, fitting easily into their social world. His working class supporters had to peer through the hedges like uninvited guests, while the big boys amused themselves with Miss Universe shows, international christenings and golf. The plight of the Caroni workers was easily forgotten in the comical quest to lure support in the East/West corridor. Now these children of the cane are utterly without direction or sound counsel. All they can hear are rantings about civil disobedience and protests.

This is the time for sugar workers to open their eyes and seek better counsel in this their hour of greatest need. I exhort them to engage the assistance of reputable economists, sociologists, and attorneys, to represent their interests to ensure that they can make the transition to a life out of the dying sugar industry. Forget the man who betrayed you while he was in power.

DAVID  SUBRAN Chaguanas