Closure cuts deep into West Prince

The closure of O’Leary area Cavendish Produce is a great loss to 40 employees facing unemployment, their families, and all of West Prince due to loss of commercial activity, and social networking. The plant was established in the 1980s by a group of local farmers and investments were made by the provincial government. The business provided storage, grading and packing of table potatoes. When the company ran into financial difficulties, the province became the sole owner and was responsible for its sale. Tenders were offered for purchase, and bids were received from a group of local farmers, and the Irving interests. The government of the day overlooked the bid from local farmers and chose to let the plant go to Cavendish Farms. To further sweeten the deal, our government granted millions of tax dollars to upgrade the plant. Giving the Irvings significant control of both the potato processing and table potato market has had farreaching consequences for potato producers and workers in the industry. If government would have more faith in Island businesses, rather than large corporate interests, we all would benefit. Local businesses have a larger stake in the success of Islanders and our economy than companies with off shore head offices. It is hoped that the MacLauchlan government will adopt a more concerned approach than has thus far been demonstrated for our loss. Even if another 40 new jobs are developed at points further east in this “dynamic time,” it will do little to compensate the loss to the West Prince area. Dr. Herb Dickieson, former MLA, Island New Democrats