Some sugar cane farmers in Clarendon are reportedly upset with government’s plan to transport cane from the parish to neighbouring areas for processing.

The farmers staged a demonstration near the Monymusk factory yesterday (Jan 25) and called on government to reconsider the many options proposed for the resumption of processing at the facility, instead of sending the cane elsewhere.

Cabinet has approved the provision of transport support for up to 105,000 tonnes of sugar cane from the Monymusk and Bernard Lodge areas, to the Appleton factory in St. Elizabeth, and the Worthy Park factory in St. Catherine, for processing.

In addition to the transportation of the cane to these factories, government will be providing assistance to workers of the Monymusk sugar factory, who will be affected by its temporary closure.

Member of Parliament for South West Clarendon Noel Arscott, and Chairman of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association Allan Rickards, met with the protesting farmers yesterday.

Mr. Arscott said the citizens of Clarendon will not stand by and allow the closure of Monymusk.

He said the people of Clarendon are being misled.