The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is still poised to meet its sugar target and its bulk export demand in markets in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.
Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said despite the challenges faced in the industry, coupled with the recent strike action taken by workers, things are well on stream. He explained that the first crop will be met based on the good performance of the factories, and improved turnout from workers during the past few weeks.
Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy
The agriculture minister expressed satisfaction in the way the strike was dealt with. He noted that workers are currently in discussion with GuySuCo and the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU). The Albion, Rosehall and Blairmont sugar factories have been consistently meeting their weekly targets.
Guyana produces some 195,000 tonnes of bulk sugar for export to Europe, and 12,000 tonnes for the North American market. Dr Ramsammy confirmed that both these markets and local consumption will be met.
This, however, still depends on certain factors, including less strikes, good weather and good turnout. The minister noted that many persons have misinterpreted the production of the Enmore Packaging Factory. According to him, the factory is working to its full capacity, and is contributing to the export markets. Blairmont provides some 10,000 tonnes of sugar, while Enmore produces 40,000 tonnes.
He said this week, all three estates are on target, and are in the process of completing their weekly target.
In an earlier interview with this newspaper, Dr Ramsammy had said he is optimistic that the sugar industry will rebound from falling below the production target in 2011, to performing better in 2012.
Notwithstanding, the downward trend the industry has seen over the years, he said things could change for the better. According to the minister, GuySuCo has been a major part of the economy for decades, and the sugar industry has, for centuries, been Guyana’s pillar for economic development. Despite challenges, Dr Ramsammy asserted that he will work to ensure that there is a turnaround for the sugar industry in Guyana.
Meanwhile, GAWU President Komal Chand said 2012 could prove the most challenging year for the local sugar industry. He had said that this challenge could be based on several factors, but financial support could be the major issue.
Government has been supporting GuySuCo financially since 2009, plugging millions of dollars into the industry to help to address shortfalls and maintenance of its workforce. Government is now a parliamentary minority and therefore parliamentary support to the sugar industry would not be an easy business. “One can say that support would not be as much, as the government would like to assist, and a lot of hurdles will have to be jumped, with many discussions anticipated,” Chand had said.
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is still poised to meet its sugar target and its bulk export demand in markets in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said despite the challenges faced in the industry, coupled with the recent strike action taken by workers, things are well on stream. He explained that the first crop will be met based on the good performance of the factories, and improved turnout from workers during the past few weeks.The agriculture minister expressed satisfaction in the way the strike was dealt with. He noted that workers are currently in discussion with GuySuCo and the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU). The Albion, Rosehall and Blairmont sugar factories have been consistently meeting their weekly targets.Guyana produces some 195,000 tonnes of bulk sugar for export to Europe, and 12,000 tonnes for the North American market. Dr Ramsammy confirmed that both these markets and local consumption will be met.This, however, still depends on certain factors, including less strikes, good weather and good turnout. The minister noted that many persons have misinterpreted the production of the Enmore Packaging Factory. According to him, the factory is working to its full capacity, and is contributing to the export markets. Blairmont provides some 10,000 tonnes of sugar, while Enmore produces 40,000 tonnes.He said this week, all three estates are on target, and are in the process of completing their weekly target.In an earlier interview with this newspaper, Dr Ramsammy had said he is optimistic that the sugar industry will rebound from falling below the production target in 2011, to performing better in 2012. Notwithstanding, the downward trend the industry has seen over the years, he said things could change for the better. According to the minister, GuySuCo has been a major part of the economy for decades, and the sugar industry has, for centuries, been Guyana’s pillar for economic development. Despite challenges, Dr Ramsammy asserted that he will work to ensure that there is a turnaround for the sugar industry in Guyana.Meanwhile, GAWU President Komal Chand said 2012 could prove the most challenging year for the local sugar industry. He had said that this challenge could be based on several factors, but financial support could be the major issue. Government has been supporting GuySuCo financially since 2009, plugging millions of dollars into the industry to help to address shortfalls and maintenance of its workforce. Government is now a parliamentary minority and therefore parliamentary support to the sugar industry would not be an easy business. “One can say that support would not be as much, as the government would like to assist, and a lot of hurdles will have to be jumped, with many discussions anticipated,” Chand had said.
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