The Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture wants the cabinet to rethink its position to close the Monymusk factory in Clarendon, as well as fund the transport of cane to two factories outside the parish.

The Agriculture Ministry says Cabinet has approved transport support for up to 105,000 tonnes of sugar cane to Appleton in St. Elizabeth and Worthy Park in St. Catherine.

Government will also be assisting workers at Monymusk who will be affected by the temporary closure.

According to the ministry, this is the best option, to ensure the harvesting of the current crop, adding that despite the best efforts of the ministry and current factory owners, Pan Caribbean Limited, there was no success in identifying a suitable investor to repair and operate the Monymusk factory for the current crop.

Some farmers protested the decision last week.

Spokesman on agriculture and rural development, Dr. Fenton Ferguson says while there might be split views within the cabinet on the continuation of a sugar industry, it would be premature at this time to close monymusk, given the hardships the people in the area will face.

He states that the economic impact on thousands of persons in the area, due to a $34 m fortnightly pay bill fallout, will be devastating.

Dr. Ferguson is also calling on the Cabinet to seriously consider the proposal put forward by critical stakeholders, inclusive of the Ministry of Agriculture personnel, to keep the factory open for the 2019-2020 season, as it will not be a significant burden to the government, when the returns from sale of the sugar are taken into account.

The opposition spokesman is also demanding an aggressive approach to the negotiations with potential investors, who have shown an interest in Monymusk, so that timely arrangements can be made for the 2020-2021 season.

In the meantime, Dr. Ferguson is reminding the minister and the government to be proactive in dealing with the Golden Grove sugar factory, in St. Thomas, that is facing its last season with the Seprod Group, so that residents will not be faced with a similar situation.

Meantime, Chairman of the All Island Cane Farmers Association Allan Rickards has chastised the government for its treatment of cane farmers in Clarendon.

The comments follow government’s announcement that the Monymusk factory will be closed and the cane transported to factories in neighbouring parishes for processing.

Rickards said despite discussions with cane farmers on several proposals, the government took its decision, without responding to the cane farmers.

He said it’s not too late for government to change its position, and have Monymusk operating by Easter.