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Problems besetting the wretched tillers of the earth
Read by Khemraj Ramjattan, AFC Presidential Candidate, AFC Chairman
![](http://www.voteafc.com/images/stories/Press_Conferences/Sept_14_2011/Ramjattan.jpg)
First is the deplorable state of the road which stretches approximately 4 miles. In the first quarter of this year, it was laced with “crush and run” which cost millions of dollars. The road has already begun to rapidly disintegrate leaving farmers in much of the same frustration they endured earlier in the year. Farmers are severely challenged in transporting their produce to the respective markets.
Secondly, those unable to transport and retail their produce directly at the markets are forced to accept unfair and unprofitable prices from middle men. Farmers have said that they have not seen the GMC in this area for years.
![](http://www.voteafc.com/images/stories/Press_Conferences/Sept_14_2011/Farmer.jpg)
And as if this is not all, rice farmers within the No.52-74 Corentyne area have complained to the AFC about the destruction of the Water Users Association by the Regional Chairman, Mr. Zulficar Mustapha. His aggressive, abusive conduct and exhibition of political clout towards the Association has seen several resignations of the accountant and rangers. His promises to pay to clear up the canals, $200 per rod, have not been kept. Contractors who have completed work have not been paid. And a promise to keep a Hymac in the area was again not fulfilled when he ordered its removal to Albion.
![](http://www.voteafc.com/images/stories/Press_Conferences/Sept_14_2011/CashCropFarmer.jpg)
Thus while the Finance Minister showers himself with encomiums about meeting MDG goals and while extravagant sums are being raised to appreciate Jagdeo’s poor and sordid record, working class “Back Dam people” being out of sight, are out of mind. Thus, what we have in Guyana is a situation where those who produce and feed our nation are themselves living in oppression.
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