Latest update April 1st, 2025 5:37 PM
Apr 05, 2014 News
Head of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union, (GAWU) Komal Chand, has said that the Budget 2014 identifies some steps that should be taken into consideration, when addressing the challenges in the sugar sector.
He emphasized the need for the appointment of a new Board of Directors at GUYSUCO.
On Thursday, the PPP/C Member of Parliament, called on his fellow MPs to remember the importance of the industry, despite its current struggles.
“We cannot fail to recall that the industry remains an important and intrinsic component of not just our economy but of Guyana‘s social fabric. Its development and progress over the last three and a half centuries are largely responsible for thousand of slaves and indentured labourers being brought to our country.
“For their descendants, the industry has become their economic lifeline … We should not downplay the fact that even at this time, the industry continues to serve our country in a multifaceted way.”
Expressing optimism, Chand said that it is within the possibilities since such a feat has been done before.
“Lately, we heard of suggestions that the industry should move away from sugar production and venture into other areas, such as ethanol and aquaculture. I share the concerns, but do not agree with the solutions advanced,” Chand said.
According to the PPP/C MP, it is incumbent on members of the National Assembly to continue to actively support the industry.
He noted, “The industry has directly provided, through the Sugar Levy, billions of dollars that was channelled into the Consolidated Fund.
“We cannot refute its role in producing thousands of artisans from its Port Mourant Training Centre and the provision of land for housing, among others.”
He underscored that with good guidance and leadership, sugar remains a viable venture.
“For those who have a negative view of the industry’s prospects, it is unfortunate. It is still a viable venture.”
In February, GAWU urged an immediate overhaul of the Board of Directors for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) while highlighting a number of issues affecting the industry, which employs thousands of its members.
GAWU noted that a revamped GuySuCo board, improved management skill sets, motivation for harvesters and factory workers to return to the fields and ancillary projects, among other things, must all combine to bring the sugar industry back.
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