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Ministers Holder, Jordan should be lauded for bold step with SPU, new GuySuCo Board
DEAR EDITOR,
Change is inevitable and while it may not be welcomed by some, evolution has always been integral in the shaping of successful environments. Survival of the fittest is paramount in Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and the Guyana Sugar Corporation is no exception to this rule.
While this has been delayed, it has not been denied, and the recent spate of events relative to the change in Management of the Company must be lauded by all and reflective of the seriousness of Cabinet.
The current Administration has had setbacks when it entrusted the Interim Management Committee (IMC) with G$32B of the taxpayers’ dollars to chart and navigate the course for privatization, but who failed them miserably along with a people, nation and a country.
The resultant closure of estates was inevitable given the IMC’s failure to generate G$52B in the fiscal years 2016 to 2017. To keep Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt operable, the Administration had no alternative but to close the ‘less productive estates’, those being Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates on the advice of the IMC who at that time, were clueless as to what next.
The bold decision to remove the IMC from the helm of the Company by Cabinet, should be lauded by the electorate, since while such a move has its own connotations, the Government has had enough of mediocrity and as such, took a decision to eliminate this forthwith.
Both the Ministers of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and Finance, Winston Jordan must be commended for their timely intervention and support of the process and paving the way for takeover of Management by the Special Purpose Unit (SPU).
Kudos to them, since the reopening of Enmore Estate, the movement of canes to the Albion Factory from the Rose Hall and Providence Cultivations with Skeldon Estate coming on stream soon, are evidence of this change to-date, and are creating much needed employment and relief amongst the displaced workforce. In addition, there is the refurbishing of the LBI and Skeldon Compounds, which will generate much needed income to add to the coffers.
The SPU comprises young executives from varying disciplines who collectively have a vision that is second to none. The goals and objectives of these Executives mirror that of the Government, in that the Company has to redefine its Mission Statement and Purpose to become truly competitive in the forever changing world of Sugar.
Management cannot continue to do the same things the same way all the time and expect different results. Such an approach is a sure recipe for disaster and the time has come for a change in thinking. Irrespective of the challenges and criticisms faced to-date, mostly by those who appear mortally wounded by this change, the SPU has managed to accomplish what the IMC failed to do. The process of change and thus evolution has begun.
Mike Persaud Sr.
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