By SHEIK DEAN
The power struggle continues within the Rarawai/Penang Cane Producers Association.
It is hoping a solution is derived following an unannounced audit conducted earlier this month.
Varuku Sector Board delegate, Khalid Ali said an independent auditor from FLO-CERT had concluded audits on the association.
“The representative from FLO-CERT spoke to farmers and sector delegates on the issues raised through the media,” Mr Ali said.
“We are relieved as actions will be taken by stakeholders to solve the issues raised. And appointments made by association president Gyan Singh.
“We do not have funds as we rely on the funds which had been given by the Fair Trade Organisation of $1.4 million channelled to the association but has not benefited the farmers,’’ he said.
More planned funds
It is also believed that apart from the $1.4 million, Fair Trade had also planned on releasing the sum of $2.1 million to the association, which had now been put on hold.
“Farmers are deprived of their rights on the funds and because of the governance issues a number of projects had not been executed,’’ Mr Ali said.
A scheme which was set up by the association last year to pay $100 monthly for life to farmers in the area who were more than 70-years-old, had been suspended.
Mr Ali further said farmers and board delegates were now waiting eagerly for the result of the audit.
About FLO-CERT
FLO-CERT is an international certification company that is owned by Fairtrade International (FLO).
It is autonomous and operates independently. It is responsible for the inspection and certification of producer organisations and traders against Fairtrade standards.
FLO-CERT ensures that producers and traders comply with the FLO International Fairtrade Standards.
It ensures that traders pay the Fairtrade Premium to producers and that producers invest the benefits received through Fairtrade in their development.
Meanwhile, attempts made for a phone interview with Mr Singh yesterday proved futile.