Dear Editor,
The Region Three Chamber of Commerce is daunted by the many ills pervading our region and the people as a whole. lt is incumbent upon every citizen to work and be supportive to the government. The nation expects government will establish policies to augment health, safety, security and the economy to keep the engine of growth at a level consistent with that of other countries. We have had political change and we expect to achieve best practice. However, the present pattern indicates the future will be dull. Today the security of this nation is threatened by the inability of the police to get on top of the criminality plaguing our society. The prevalence of crime if not arrested quickly, will be inimical to economic development and cause migration. Many businesses will close because of fear about who will be the next victim. We demand maximum effort to end this as it affects national development and society as a whole.
One of our main foreign currency earners suffered blows with the loss of a lucrative market and price. This creates a financial burden on the rice industry, reduces the growth of the nation and impacts people’s lives. A mammoth effort is needed to replace what has been lost by the relevant ministry.
The announcement of the imminent closure of Wales sugar estate is yet another blow to this nation’s economic well-being and will impact seriously upon lives of people living in Region Three. We are sure that with prudent management this estate can be made profitable and add to the nation’s coffers. We intend to engage government and co-ordinate efforts to stop this unrealistic decision from being implemented. We need government to establish an agro-processing plant to facilitate the preservation of excessive perishable farm produce.
In short, Region Three requests the following:-
A—Stamping out illegal trade
B—Preventing the encumbrance of roads and reserves
C—Building by-pass roads in congested areas
D—Developing new roads
E—Providing farmland to youths as an alternative to unemployment and training
F— Establishing an industrial site to create employment
G—Utilising the market tarmac for vending.
The chamber is eager to enter into dialogue with all stakeholders involved in national development.
Yours faithfully,
Ramesh Sugrim
President
Region Three Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
