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There is enough sugar to supply local market – Agri Minister
Although the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has not been able to meet any of its revised targets, there will be a sufficient amount of sugar to supply the local market.
The strain from problem-plagued Skeldon factory’s poor showing has been taking a toll on the overall operations of GuySuCo.
This is according to Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who explained that there is nothing preventing the sugar industry from doing better next crop.
He explained however, that thankfully, Guyana cannot be penalized for this shortfall, since there are no penalties attached to the European Union contract.
“We never agreed on an amount that we would supply the European Union, so Guyana stands to face no consequences,”
GuySuCo’s dismal performance over the years is putting strain on the guaranteed European Union (EU) market, especially now with it not being able to meet the latest quota of 167,000 tonnes of sugar.
As of the end of November 2013, only 135,000 tonnes of sugar amounting to US$60.75M have been exported to the European market. Approximately US$14.4M is on the line to be lost.
With less than two weeks left in the year, the country’s sugar industry is recording its lowest production in two decades.
This year’s production of 186,000 tonnes will negatively eclipse last year’s 218,069 tonnes of sugar.
The 2013 production has been described as the worst in the 21-year reign of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Production targets have been revised downwards from the 260,000 tonnes set at the beginning of the year. The year’s first crop fell short of the 70,000 tonnes by an alarming 22,000.
Industry officials have recently admitted that the situation over production has plunged the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) into a point of uncertainty where unless all stops are pulled out, the slide will continue.
The administration has been saying that the industry is too big to fail but could find little or no answer.
At the flagship Skeldon factory, production for the year is slated to be approximately 34,000, far below the targeted 43,000 tonnes. The strain from Skeldon factory’s poor showing has been taking a toll on the overall operations of GuySuCo.
Since being commissioned in August 2009 by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Chinese-built US$200M project, which includes the factory and expanded cultivation, has been bleeding the Corporation. Almost US$15M (G$3B) has been sunk to repair several faults.
In an attempt to further salvage GuySuCo, consultants out of India have been confirmed to run the eight estates operating in Demerara and Berbice.
Dr. Ramsammy told this newspaper however, that these foreigners will not be taking over from GuySuCo’s existing management, but will be lending a helping hand, and lending technical expertise in steering the corporation onto a prosperous path.
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