Opposition spokesman on Agriculture, Michael Denis Lett has issued two stinging statements about the Keith Mitchell-led New National Party (NNP) government.

Lett who is associated with the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was commenting on road works in his St. David's constituency and the distribution of plants for the agricultural sector.

He expressed grave concerns about cracks already showing on the newly built Eastern Main road project from Red Gate to Belle Vue.

Lett said: "Based on visual observations of works being carried out on the Eastern Main Road, - Red Gate to Belle Vue, I wish to express grave concerns about the project.

The appearance of disorganisation and chaos on the project has been of major concern to residents and road users alike. Further the contractor has been notoriously tardy when it comes to alleviating inconveniences to residents in the area.

"While I accept that progress comes with some short term inconvenience. Continued delays at this stage are intolerable.

I have observed that in some areas the road is already cracking and it is clear that the pavement specifications on the contract are blatantly disregarded. Are taxpayers getting value for money?

"We call on the government to commission an Engineering Audit of the completed works and to publish its findings. We further call on the Minister of Works, Hon. Claris Modeste-Curwen to ensure that the audit is completed".

The other statement from Lett related to the sad state of affairs with the distribution of plans at the Mirabeau Agricultural Station.

It reads: "The Agriculture Committee of the NDC wishes to state its disgust about the manner in which plants were distributed at the Mirabeau Agricultural Station on Monday 19th June 2006.

The chaos and disorganisation was indeed embarrassing and disrespectful .... especially (to) our hard working farmers. We hold the joint Ministers of Agriculture Gregory Bowen and Adrian Mitchell responsible for this state of affairs.
An NDC administration will ensure that propagation stations are developed in Maran, St. John and Ashenden, St. David.

Clearly plant propagation must be a priority if we are serious about resuscitation of agriculture in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily.

We believe that the stations must be developed based on the tissue culture method. Prices must be subsidized for commercial farmers and to household at a cost plus basic.

We call on the Government to get serious about agriculture and to stop the constant policing and non-productive talk which only serve to demoralise the farming community".