When we were in opposition, we fought gallantly to secure the disbursement of EU grant funds for cane farmers whose livelihood had suffered as a consequence of the cessation of the industry. Knowledgeable temporary senators including Seukeran Tambi, if I recall correctly, argued the case very convincingly despite the denials of then Minister of Finance Karen Tesheira that they had any entitlement. The present position of the PP Government regarding this grant is therefore surprising.
Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath is now repeating the assertions of the former minister, adding that the EU is threatening to end the grant, which I recall was convincingly argued as intended to reduce hardships on farmers. The question in my own mind now is whether we had dishonestly fought an illegitimate cause, or whether the present position of the PP Government is rather what is dishonest. It is outrageous that the Cane Farmers Association should have been encouraged in pursuing a dishonest claim if that was what we did. Perhaps the UNC as the responsible former opposition would find the courage to explain its earlier error.
MF Rahman
Via e-mail