The skeptics and mischief makers will be proven wrong; it’s just a matter of time

Dear Editor,

In recent times, there has been an ongoing campaign to discredit the work and the progress that have been made so far in Guyana’s sugar sector. Some persons, especially those aligned to the opposition political parties, have done almost everything in their power to try to convince the populace that the sugar industry will be closed down and as a result, persons would lose their jobs and so on. They have also been saying that the government continues to support the industry for political reasons. Far from the truth indeed.

As far as I know, sugar will remain a very productive sector for many more years to come, and the government’s policy to modernise the industry is well on target. A careful look at the figures in terms of production and foreign exchange earnings in spite of the European Union price cuts will prove that Guyana’s sugar industry is progressing well.

Additionally, while much more is still to be achieved in the sector, I am satisfied that sugar workers here are being paid a decent salary in comparison to other territories where the sugar industry is still alive. Just recently, the government gave another increase in wages and salaries to sugar workers.

Thus far, the EU has made available to Guyana €165 million for the modernisation of the industry. According to the EU ambassador at a recent press conference, that sum was divided into two parts, where for the period 2007- 2011, approximately €90 million was made available and another €75 million for the period 2011-2013.

It is also interesting to note that Ambassador Heikens was quoted in the local Guyana Times newspaper as saying: “I am also responsible for European taxpayers’ money and I have not had any note, or email, or confidential note from Brussels that we shouldn’t do it. I still believe that sugar can do it, and we also have a task to assist the sugar industry to coming back to be competitive and to have the high production levels that we saw in the early 2000s.” It is clear that this major international development partner has a high level of confidence in Guyana’s sugar industry.

However, to be objective I would add that there are a few problems in the sector that would have to be addressed if the industry is to remain competitive and strong.

For example, efforts will have to be strengthened by the authorities to ensure that the Skeldon Modernisation Plant is adequately being utilised and it is getting the right amount of sugar cane to process.

Yours truly,

S Deoraj