Think out of the box for solutions

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As I listen the news daily and read disheartening reports in the print media, describing various economic problems the people are facing, I am moved to reflect on two popular adages: “When one door is closed, another is opened” and “Necessity is the mother of invention”.

One of the doors that is closed to us includes our ability to produce enough for the export market and the constantly rising price of fuel, which we have to bear.

For decades, sugar was one of our main products for export but over time, the production became unprofitable and much of the sugar lands have gone fallow. There is new thinking about utilising these lands for food production, but I think another door can be opened.

Suppose sugarcane could be replanted on some of these lands but instead of producing sugar, the emphasis could be on molasses to be used for produding alcohol, which could be used to make fuel.

I believe the powers that be should investigate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of such a venture. The plus factors if it could work include import substitution, reduced unemployment and maybe improved export.

This is not an invention as the technology already exists, but we would be definitely opening new doors.

RONALD FAGAN

ronniefagan@gmail.com