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Come now, Senator Grant
Friday, September 28, 2007
Senator Norman Grant's decision not to lend the support of his organisation, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), to the Government if it opts to import seasonings and vegetables to alleviate the reported shortage occasioned by Hurricane Dean is incomprehensible.
And if you look really closely at the rationale he offers for his stance, it's hypocritical too.
According to the report in today's edition, Senator Grant says that although the JAS supported the decision to import in the wake of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 - (significantly?) under the administration of the then ruling People's National Party (PNP) - it would withdraw its support in favour of assisting the farmers to recover.
Please.
What about the tourism sector which derives much of its fillip from its inimitable cuisine?
Shouldn't every effort be made to safeguard this sensitive industry which facilitates the livelihoods of so many Jamaicans, farmers included?
Can't the interests of both industries be served simultaneously?
According to Senator Grant, the total recovery of the agriculture sector could take from nine to 12 months due to the destruction of most of the crops, whereas in respect of vegetables, once the farmers get the planting material, recovery could be realised within three to four months.
The senator goes on to take credit for his organisation's recommendation to Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton to consider a second phase to a $225-million hurricane relief programme under which fertiliser valued at $100 million is now being distributed through the JAS and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Again, the senator meticulously points out that the programme was initiated by former prime minister, Mrs Portia Simpson Miller.
We're not saying that anything is wrong with giving credit where credit is due. Nor are we suggesting that the senator is duty bound to agree with every move the current administration may make.
However, we are at pains to understand why an option which was supported when exercised by the PNP administration in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, has suddenly become taboo under the Jamaica Labour Party Government.
Surely Senator Grant doesn't think the Government's aim in importing to alleviate a problem that, according to the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president Mr Wayne Cummings is already being felt, is to replace the local agricultural sector.
Rather, we suspect, the senator is using this opportunity to score political points, and if he is, then those points are cheap. Then again, if his aim was to snatch a bit of the media limelight... it worked.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Senator Norman Grant's decision not to lend the support of his organisation, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), to the Government if it opts to import seasonings and vegetables to alleviate the reported shortage occasioned by Hurricane Dean is incomprehensible.
And if you look really closely at the rationale he offers for his stance, it's hypocritical too.
According to the report in today's edition, Senator Grant says that although the JAS supported the decision to import in the wake of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 - (significantly?) under the administration of the then ruling People's National Party (PNP) - it would withdraw its support in favour of assisting the farmers to recover.
Please.
What about the tourism sector which derives much of its fillip from its inimitable cuisine?
Shouldn't every effort be made to safeguard this sensitive industry which facilitates the livelihoods of so many Jamaicans, farmers included?
Can't the interests of both industries be served simultaneously?
According to Senator Grant, the total recovery of the agriculture sector could take from nine to 12 months due to the destruction of most of the crops, whereas in respect of vegetables, once the farmers get the planting material, recovery could be realised within three to four months.
The senator goes on to take credit for his organisation's recommendation to Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton to consider a second phase to a $225-million hurricane relief programme under which fertiliser valued at $100 million is now being distributed through the JAS and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Again, the senator meticulously points out that the programme was initiated by former prime minister, Mrs Portia Simpson Miller.
We're not saying that anything is wrong with giving credit where credit is due. Nor are we suggesting that the senator is duty bound to agree with every move the current administration may make.
However, we are at pains to understand why an option which was supported when exercised by the PNP administration in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, has suddenly become taboo under the Jamaica Labour Party Government.
Surely Senator Grant doesn't think the Government's aim in importing to alleviate a problem that, according to the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president Mr Wayne Cummings is already being felt, is to replace the local agricultural sector.
Rather, we suspect, the senator is using this opportunity to score political points, and if he is, then those points are cheap. Then again, if his aim was to snatch a bit of the media limelight... it worked.
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