Unsung heroes – Sugar Industry

This week we feature some of the outstanding workers in the sugar industry who deservingly received special recognition from the National Cultural Foundation as part of this year’s 50th anniversary  Crop Over celebrations.

Junior Franklin – Quiet Commitment to the Job

He is a man of few words, but in the eyes of Junior Franklin, your value rests not with what you say, it’s about getting the job done right.

This highly competent Tractor Operator has proudly given three decades of service to the Barbados Agricultural ManagementCompany, and has remained with the enterprise as it transitioned in 2023 to the Agricultural Business Company (ABC).

The private-public venture is responsible for more than 4 500 acres of agricultural lands. Looking back at his entry into the sugar industry, Franklin recalled his role as a simple bin boy responsible for ensuring no debris got into the cane bins at the factory which could negatively impact the quality of the product.

He later got the opportunity to operate the tractors, a function he thoroughly enjoyed. He is responsible for tilling and spraying the fields and any other related duties.

So committed to his work, it is not uncommon to find Franklin working late into the evenings during crop season, to ensure all the necessary tasks are completed to facilitate the prompt harvesting of the canes.

“During the season, I work from 6 o’clock in the morning until 6 in the evening when we are cutting the canes,” he disclosed.

The 56-year-old conceded that working in agriculture was not viewed among the most attractive areas to employment, but he insisted it is among the most rewarding.

Franklin says the sense of satisfaction that he and his colleagues gain knowing that they contribute to the economy of Barbados and help to feed its citizens, is extremely fulfilling

“We help to maintain the fields and prevent the whole place running into bush; that is exactly what would happen if we don’t continue to grow canes. And we are feeding ourselves too. We can’t be importing everything,” he stated.

The St Philip resident thanked those responsible for recognising his many years of faithful contribution to the sector.

“I thank the Father. It is a good feeling to be recognised,” he expressed.

(NCF)