Dear Editor,
The basic principle in problem-solving is that there should be an understanding by the affected parties that a problem does exist, and a willingness to resolve the problem.
The problem with the Belle Vue cane farmers and their Co-op Management has been continuing for the past four years, and just when it appeared that there was a resolution in sight, the problem reared its head again. This leaves the farmers with little hope that a solution is imminent at all. Note the following:
The Belle Vue Co-op Management was until December 2011 managed by a group of persons comprising family members and close associates. During the past four years this management usurped the estates (co-op shares) of some farmers and sold them to an independent entrepreneur, who in the process of effecting works to the estates he purchased, caused extensive damage to the estates of other farmers. This resulted in a loss of production and income to them. The unilateral sale of bona fide farmers’ properties was undertaken without due process and without any compensation. This action has resulted in undue discomfort and stress for the affected farmers, who made representation at various ministerial levels via petitions and the print media, with a view to drawing attention to this problem.
There was some satisfaction in August 2010, the Chief Cooperative and Development Officer
(CCDO), Mr M Jabar, decommissioned the Co-op Management with a view to initiating a process that would seek to address this grievance. To the horror of the farmers, then Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir, rescinded that decision and re-installed the Co-op Management. So it became business as usual.
With continued representation to government MPs and then Minister of Agriculture, Mr Robert Persaud, the latter commissioned an enquiry in July 2011 to investigate this problem. Now one would have thought that with a commission of enquiry under way, that the independent entrepreneur mentioned above, would have ceased all activities and awaited the outcome of the enquiry. To the dismay of the farmers, he continued with his business and even intensified his activities to the extent of constructing fixed structures on the estates of the farmers. This is not only an affront to the affected farmers, but shows contempt for an enquiry which has legal overtones.
It was with some satisfaction that it was understood that the recommendation from Mr Persaud‘s commission of enquiry was considered by Cabinet, and that the CCDO was advised to dissolve the Co-op Management and to institute a new one. In February 2012, A new Co-op Management, headed by Mr Hafiz Rahman was established, and immediately began to consider the following issues:
* An immediate surrender of all documents and records of the Co-op Management
* An audit of the financial transactions of the Coop over the past four years
* An inventory of all assets, fixed and movable
* The cessation of all activities by the independent entrepreneur
* The reinstatement of all farmers whose estates were confiscated by the previous Co-op Management
Now just when it appeared that there was some sign of progress in addressing the issues mentioned above, it is understood that the CCDO has been advised by the Minister of Labour, Mr Gopaul, to remove this newly formed Co-op Management and install another comprising approximately four members of the original Co-op Management. This development is not dissimilar to that in August 2010, by the then Minister of Labour, Mr Nadir, and leaves one to wonder about what position the powers that be are taking in this matter.
So as we write this letter on behalf of the Committee to Save Belle Vue Cane Farming and Marketing Cooperative Society, it’s déjà vu – the same old story written and rewritten. The same management (with the exception of the new Chairperson) continues to manage the affairs of the beleaguered farmers, and the farmers continue to suffer at the hands of those who should care.
The plight of the farmers has come full circle and returned to square one.
But let there be no mistake about it, the struggle shall continue for what is inherently right, just and represents fair play.
Yours faithfully,
Tej Baijnath
Balram Balkarran
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul for any comment he might wish to make.
