Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2012 Letters
Dear Editor,
I have observed over the last few days, quite a few articles on the rice mill dust issue. It appears to me that no one has bothered to investigate this matter thoroughly, but rather, it is being used as a political football in a zero sum game between the AFC and the ruling party.
In any successful society the welfare of the majority is considered before that of a minority. In this particular issue, it appears that political expediency has elevated the importance of 30 to 40 persons, over that of over three thousand. This business directly supports in excess of five hundred rice farmers and seventy employees. At an average household size, which is larger than that of the urban middle class, of five, the Maths is simple, and so is the solution. Relocate.
This situation is made more absurd when you come to the realization that these persons are ILLEGALLY squatting on reserves designed especially because of the dust that necessarily is generated and made airborne in any rice mill. The leeward side of all rice mills is designed as a green space. Travel around the country and observe for yourself, that is, if you cannot Google it.
A rice mill without dust is like a beach without sand. However, quite a tangible amount of money was spent, directed by the EPA and the Ministry of Agriculture, to reduce the amount of dust emitted. Drive by and have a look.
Fighting for the rights of the minority and downtrodden is a noble act. However, attempting to close a legitimate business that directly benefits over three thousand persons at the behest of ILLEGAL squatters is not an attempt to fight for any right, thus it cannot be just and hence not noble. The closure of this mill would adversely affect the farmers that depend on this establishment for fertilizers, fuel, operating cash and a reliable outlet to sell their produce to, whose payments are always competitive and timely. And of course, the employees, who are all from Cane Grove, would have no access to gainful employment opportunities close by, if this intention is materialized.
Since we, on every side of the divide, trumpet the merits of democracy, it may be prudent to remind us of the Aristotelian quote that “the will of the majority is supreme”.
The question for the Government is, why would you jeopardize the livelihood of hundreds of your supporters when there is the simple and legally sound solution of the relocation of six to 10 families?
The questions for AFC are, “Do you want to continue to be a minority party? And, would you ever aspire to govern the whole of Guyana for the benefit of all?”
Let us wait and see what the answers are.
Sabena Khan
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
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