There's mounting concern about possible economic fallout in sections of St. Elizabeth following news that Appleton Estate is set to end sugar production.
The company has called trade unions representing the workers to a meeting tomorrow during which it is expected that an announcement will be made.
Audie Myers, Councillor for the Siloah Division, told Radio Jamaica News that if Appleton Estate halts sugar production, there will be wide scale repercussions.
”I hope it is not a reality, because if that is a reality, then the entire community and the parish will be devastated and thousands of farmers, students and others will be affected, and contractors from across the country will be affected... It will be a big blow to all of those involved,” he said.
Last week, Clifton Grant, First Vice President of the University and Allied Workers Union, told Radio Jamaica News that hundreds of workers at Appleton Estate will lose their jobs if the company decides to close it sugar operations.
It's reported that the J. Wray and Nephew owned facility wants to end production of the sweetener because of heavy losses during the 2019-2020 crop year.
Mr. Myers has said he is willing to participate in talks to try and convince the management of Appleton Estate to continue sugar production.
Radio Jamaica News sought a comment from Member of Parliament for the area, Errol Redman, but he declined to speak on the matter.
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