Westmoreland cane farmers concerned

Westmoreland cane farmers are worried that the industry could collapse soon as the fires to their fields reach a record high.



Farmers said since last December, arsonists have been targeting Frome, which is the island’s largest sugar cane community.



Data from the Westmoreland Fire Department indicate that in December last year, there were 48 cane fires.



There were only 7 for December of 2007.



Last month, there were 65 cane fires, compared with just 14 in January of 2007.



The opposition spokesman on agriculture, Roger Clarke said this cannot be condoned.



He said sugar workers appear to be frustrated because of the Government’s delay in disbursing their redundancy money.