Skeldon workers and residents oppose estate closure and sell-out

Apr 25, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
A public meeting organized by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union on April 21, 2017, was held at Balla Square, Line Path D, Corentyne, Berbice. The meeting focused on the plans by the Government and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) to close Rose Hall and Enmore Estates and to divest Skeldon Estate.
The meeting was chaired by Cde. Herlene Lewis, Secretary of the Skeldon GAWU Branch and the speakers included GAWU’s President, Komal Chand; its Assistant General Secretary, Aslim Singh; and Cane Farmer, Adrian Anamayah. All the speakers in their remarks denounced strongly the plans to miniaturize the sugar industry especially in view of the harsh consequences that would arise from such a decision.
They pointed out that just recently the IMF advised the Government that the social fallout must be seriously considered in their decisions on sugar.
The speakers reminded those present that sugar had faced challenges in the past and was able to overcome those obstacles and go on to greater successes. Such feats, the speakers pointed out, are attainable in these times as well, especially in view of the opportunities for diversification within sugar.
Focusing on Skeldon, the speakers reminded the attendees that the estate’s performance was steadily improving in recent times and the decision to divest was perplexing and strange. Also, the attendees learnt that Skeldon Energy Inc. (SEI) – the operator of the estate’s steam and diesel plants – would have earned at minimum $9.45B in 2016 arising from energy sales to the Guyana Power Light (GPL). The vast income potential further demonstrates Skeldon’s value.
The speakers advised that GuySuCo’s explanations about the state of the factory should be taken with a pinch of salt taking into account the ready, and unsolicited, interest by foreign entities in taking over the estate. The workers and the residents are very concerned about the plans for sugar and Skeldon.
They are in strong disagreement with the Government’s and GuySuCo’s plans which they feel are ill-considered and will cause in all likelihood more harm than good.
The GAWU intends to continue with such meetings in the various estates’ vicinity to bring to the public and workers attention the plans and development in the sugar industry which will surely affect their lives and their future and many communities.
Seepaul Narine
General Secretary, GAWU

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