Dear Editor,
It’s good to hear Prime Minister Nagamootoo acknowledging that the government has to do more to properly inform workers on the proposed closure of the Wales sugar estate (SN, February 13)
Thus far, the government and GuySuCo have used a sledgehammer approach to slam shut the estate. Except for providing the financial numbers to justify the closure of the estate and some vague pronouncements, the government has not been specific, open and direct about its plans for the impending closed estate and the concomitant affected communities. This is despite the many advocacies from current and former employees, unions, civil society, and interested individuals.
The Prime Minister will do well to convince President Granger and his colleagues on the importance of communications and transparency on this issue so as to engender the levels of trust and sincerity from those looking on with piercing lens. Moreover, the government has got to be open, honest, and forthright with information and share the honest truths and realities of the situation as opposed to avoiding debates, forums, workers and the affected communities. Even a comforting appearance at the estate by the President and other senior members of the government would go a long way toward alleviating some of the fears that currently linger.
If the current approach of
disengagement continues, it is sure to offend many and will certainly not end in a favourable outcome for anyone, government included.
Yours faithfully,
Clinton Urling
