If you cannot help the sugar industry, then stay away.

This was the warning issued by the Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman Abdul Khan during the opening of the 2016 cane processing season yesterday at the Labasa Mill.

He said there has been lot of talks about boycotting harvesting and other rumours about the industry.

He said when times are hard, it is only those people there who are able to stand up and be the leaders of this organisation and leaders of Fiji.

The rest, Mr Khan said “Are only s*%$# stirrers.”

He said this because he believes when it comes to actually making this industry constructive, these people are being destructive.

“And I pledge those guys to please stay away from the industry. If you cannot help the industry, then stay away,” Mr Khan said.

“It has taken us a long time to get where we are today. If you look at what the farmers are being paid now, it has taken us a long time to achieve this and motivate them.

“All we want is that you work with us and not against us. There seems to be some elements out there who still believe in the good old theory of ‘them and us’.

“There is no longer a ‘them and us’. It’s ‘us’ being part of this industry that is going to help it grow.”

Mr Khan said: “The ‘Them’ are s*%$# stirrers.”

“I would like to humbly request people don’t listen to them,” he said.

“If you have any issues, talk to me or your general manager; we have done this in the past. We can resolve problems.”

Meanwhile, Mr Khan thanked everyone; the farmers, lorry drivers, cane cutters and FSC employees for preparing well for the cane processing season.

“We will do our part to get a good sugar price. You will be pleasantly surprised and I hope we all can work in that direction,” he said.

Good season ahead

Meanwhile, Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, stressed to farmers that critics of the sugar industry cannot be allowed to take away the focus from them.

He made the comments as the first tipping was done at the Labasa Mill marking the opening of the cane processing season yesterday.

Ratu Wiliame said the Labasa mill was destined for greatness.

“The recent broken record, quality of sugar produced and performance reached at great new heights speaks great volumes about Labasa FSC mill,” he said.

“For this year’s crushing season, all system is ready to go. I would like to remind FSC members and operators to please observe all safety rules and regulations.

“I am always humbled and honoured to be part of the sugar industry. Macuata is known for producing the sweetest sugar and so let us continue with the momentum.”

Edited by: Rachna lal

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