Dear Editor,
I refer to the letter, ‘Cricket has been killed at Leonora,’ by Vaidram Persaud (SN, 5.6.08).
Mr Persaud, I, and many others of Leonora and of cricketing descent share the sentiments contained in the said letter, and the preceding one, ‘What is the status of the Leonora Park cricket ground?’ (SN, 3.5.08).
An extract from the Moyne Commission states, “Another very important proposal was for the Government to consult with the sugar producers for the imposition of a welfare levy on every ton of sugar produced. This recommendation resulted in the establishment in 1947 of a Labour Welfare Fund and money paid into this fund was allocated generally for the building of housing schemes for sugar workers.” This evolved into the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (SILWF), whereby for every ton of sugar produced one dollar goes towards the benefit and welfare of the sugar workers. What happened to that fund?
From the 1960s to1980s, we at Leonora, had the pleasure of hosting several international matches. Teams such as the Hyderbad Blues from India, Pakistan International Airlines, the Cliffhangers from Australia, the Indian Women’s National team, the Guyana National team on several occasions, the Berbice team, Port Mourant and the Essequibo team came. There was also the Rohan Kanhai benefit match, yearly Diwali Melas, and a long list of other events when the Leonora Park was in its glory. We also had the privilege to host the Guyana Hockey team against Barbados at the Park; Chris Fernandes was the manager.
If the Leonora Park is not resuscitated then we will have the new generation leaning towards drugs. Is this what we want, a community of drug addicts?
This generation has the right to some form of physical, recreational and sports activities. Their foreparents worked very hard in the sugar estates all their lives in the hope that their children and grandchildren would inherit something from their sweat, blood and tears. Where exactly are we heading? From where I stand, down!
We have an obvious crisis on our hands. Something must be done immediately, otherwise the crisis will get worse, and we know where the government stands on drugs.
The recent meeting at the Uitvlugt Community Centre on May 19, was headlined by GINA as ‘Gov’t pursuing revitalization of West Demerara sugar estates part of plan to increase industry’s competitiveness.’ Lots was said of sugar, prices, etc, but nothing of the revitalization of sports or recreational facilities. Uitvlugt looks great but Leonora Park is the pits.
Does Guysuco expect these sugar workers to just give their all to the sole production of sugar and not expect to give anything back in return? Are they thinking of merely profits and not about the means used to get it? How many humans are used? We are not Indentured Servants or slaves any longer.
The Leonora sugar factory was closed in the previous regime, was that not enough? Where will all this stop? Or, is it that the whole Leonora community is slated for some future demise? People still live at Leonora.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Alli
