Dear Editor,
It is expected that people can generally be inconvenienced by any operation similar to what is currently being undertaken by the Joint Services in the backlands on the East Coast. It is also expected that some, even without a remote chance of being affected, would claim otherwise.
After listening to the pleadings of some, I got the impression that Buxton was the breadbasket of the East Coast. Almost all present were “big” cash crop farmers who were saddled with huge losses following the clearing of the lands. My intention is not to offend the real farmers in the area and those who might be genuinely affected. I never knew, given what the “farmers” were saying, that so much food was produced in that area. One man claimed two million dollars in losses from damage to squash trees and sugar cane while another some thirty thousand dollars weekly from damaged callaloo!
If all of the alleged losses were to be computed the figure would be millions, unimaginable in terms of callaloo and squash, exclusive of other crops mentioned! I recalled that Mr. Corbin had noted that poor (or lack of) infrastructure and a troubled economy within the area contributed to the frustration faced by residents.
My limited knowledge of farming procedures suggests that for that much squash and callaloo to be reaped, a proportionately large area of land would have to be cultivated. This is only for one farmer. When all of the “farmers” are taken into consideration, then acres and acres of land would have to be under cultivation and properly drained. Therefore, by the “farmers” own admission, a vast acreage of land is effectively being utilised to their benefit and, by extension, they are gainfully employed. How then can Mr. Corbin suggest that the area lacks agricultural infrastructure? The farmers complained bitterly to him of not being able to access their farms thereby affecting their livelihoods. This is a clear contradiction of Corbin’s position and his echoing of the Hoyte $250M initiative for the area.
Yours faithfully,
Selwyn Jones
