The body in a press release stated that it is awaiting the Government’s plan to avert shortages of agricultural products, stabilize prices and compensate farmers for losses suffered.
In the release, GTUC General Secretary Norris Witter stated that from the outset, the organisation has made rice farmers aware that it is in solidarity with them in the face of, “the enormous crisis gripping the industry”. He said that the body’s solidarity and support, “underscores the congress’ recognition of the inextricable link”, between the rice farmers and the wage and salary workers, noting that they are both integral parts of the working class.
The GTUC General Secretary stated that body has observed with, “great agony the inexplicable procrastination of the government and its talkative Minister of Agriculture”, on the matter.
The release stated that by Agriculture Minister Persaud’s own admission, he knew about the El Nino phenomenon in May last year, “but only began preparation in August 2009”. Witter stated that in neighbouring Suriname the authorities there acted professionally, thus averting, “the crisis engulfing the agricultural sector in Guyana”, primarily the rice farmers.
According to Witter, the GTUC is concerned, “that Minister Persaud and the government fiddling over this matter”, may lead to severe shortages of agricultural products, particularly rice.
