Cane burning is a practice, which is sadly a national pastime, have caused major yearly loss for the government.
At the official reopening of the Monymusk sugar factory, on March 31st, Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness said the move to temporary run the entity was very strategic and cane burning should stop.
“There is an economic opportunity to help with management and the production of cane,” he said.
Prime minister is strongly recommending stakeholders discontinue cane burning, as such practice is devastating to the industry, and result in a fall in the price of sugar.
There is an estimate loss of over 40 tones of cane around Monymusk recently due to cane burning.
Through the Sugar Company of Jamaica (SCJ) Holdings, the government stepped in to operate the Monymusk factory to save jobs in Clarendon and St. Catherine, after Pan Caribbean Sugar Company, the owners were unable to keep it open.
Mr. Holiness, after touring the factory with managers and workers, said it is ‘clear’ to him that the skills sets exist at the facility, to ensure the viability of the enterprise. He Also said the government will do its part to make sure it’s successful.
“In the next phase of our management intervention, we will continue, as best as possible, to support the capital development, but the long-term is not for the government to operate this plant, “ he said.
The practice of cane burning not only cost the government, but is also a health risk to persons and the environment.
Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including: premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, just to name a few of how dangerous cane burning really is.
SS the Showstopper
