Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
Key areas must be fine-tuned if sugar is to remain viable – officials hear at meeting
Officials at yesterday’s meeting.
Currently only four CARICOM countries have active sugar industries. These are Jamaica, Belize, Barbados and Guyana. But it is imperative that Governments must be able to recognize the importance of these sugar industries to the development of CARICOM countries.
This notion was yesterday amplified during a meeting held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The meeting was facilitated by a two-member team of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean [SAC]. The team, which was led by Director of SAC for Belize, Mr. John McLachlan, presented a report titled, “CSME market for white sugar: the need for regional integration and reform.” McLachlan was accompanied by Associate Director of Czarnikow Group Ltd, Mr. John Ireland.
The presentation, which was delivered to the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation [GuySuCo] and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture respectively, addressed a number of key areas which need to be fine-tuned at the governmental levels, if sugar is to remain viable.
During his presentation, McLachlan spoke of the work being undertaken by the Association in an attempt to correct market imbalances which currently exist. He added that for sugar to remain competitive there is need for strong regional integration and reform of sugar industries.
“It is a critical time for sugar in CARICOM…there remain significant challenges confronting the industry, which in our view can become viable, if the necessary issues are addressed at the political level, so that sugar production can find a place in the market,” he noted.
Of main importance, SAC has suggested to CARICOM that the Common External Tariffs be re-examined and be amended to impose a 40 percent tax on beet-sugar coming into the CARICOM market. The aim is to have Caribbean sugar sold in Caribbean markets.
Among the issues discussed too were: the global market challenges, European Union [EU] market changes, traditional reliance on the EU, alternative markets for CARICOM and impacts on sugar production and industrial producers.
While global demand for sugar increases two percent annually fuelled by population growth, it continues to fall in the EU.
According to the SAC Director, total production currently exceeds demands in the region, something which needs to be urgently addressed. He said that although the Association has been doing much in terms of research, the reality is that sugar production will remain low unless governments intervene with significant financial support.
“Another area of focus is the impact the industry has on industrial producers which will continue to increase and I urge the political decision makers to fine-tune this,” McLachlan said.
The ‘CSME market for white sugar’ report was presented to The Council for Trade and Economic Development [COTED] and major sugar importing companies in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy by SAC.
However, the next step will be to present a position paper to COTED which will show how countries can even look at pricing in the long run, after which there will be a presentation on the finding and key outcomes at the next Heads of Government meeting.
Yesterday’s presentation was welcomed by Agriculture Ministry, Noel Holder, who echoed similar sentiments, as he stressed the importance of the sugar industry which is dependent on the political decision makers’ need to buy-in.
Also representing Government yesterday were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Delma Nedd; Chairman of the Board of Directors, GuySuCo, Mr. John Dow; Chief Executive Officer, GuySuCo, Dr. Harold Davis, and Members of the Board of Directors of GuySuSo.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Fastest growing economy and an empty stadium
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- It’s a classic Guyanese tale, really. You live in the fastest growing economy in the... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
