How would you like to work in an industry that has a guaranteed market for its product, the price of which is steadily rising, the demand for which is also increasing as more and more of its competitors are shutting down?

This industry has the potential to manufacture ethanol (an extremely clean fuel); uses little or sometimes no bunker-c oil or diesel, unless forced to, and there is almost no waste product and its boilers are mainly fuelled with bagasse.

Its by-products can be used to make bagasse board, rum, additives for paint, toothpaste and a wide range of pharmaceuticals. It can be re-fashioned to co-generate electricity.

Its potential is boundless. This sounds like Alice in Wonderland. Where is this located and on which planet? Governments have used this industry to sop up unskilled labour, to employ partisan political supporters, and hence have wrecked it even with the best of intentions as they saw it.

The majority of its workers and farmers remain silent in the face of massive mismanagement, fearful of victimisation. Those who are brave enough to comment are ostracised and banished.

INDUSTRY Should be rescued

As a government entity, its cost to the taxpaying public is horrendous, yet with average management it can easily be turned around.

I am calling on Dr Christopher Tufton not to sully his name. History will not absolve him if he allows an industry that enslaved us not to become one that frees us economically.

The Jamaican sugar industry can be rescued and should be rescued. All it requires is a vision and stern management devoid of political influence.

Other investors are waiting in the wings. We should never have put all our eggs in one basket.

I am, etc.,

MARK CLARKE

mark_clarke9@yahoo.com

Siloah PO, St Elizabeth