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Mechanical failures, strikes contribute to 17,000 tonnes sugar shortfall
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has confirmed that it has fallen short of its target last year by 17,000 tonnes.
“Reflecting on the year 2019 total of 92,246 tonnes of sugar was declared to be sold in the local, regional and international markets. Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates produced 46,651, 23,325 and 20,270 tonnes of sugar respectively. This represents an underachievement of 17,000 tonnes from the estimated second crop production objective.”
GuySuCo blamed the shortfall on major mechanical failures in the Albion and Uitvlugt factories and from the latter half of October 2019, increasing industrial unrest in which Blairmont was most affected.
The advent of adverse weather from the last week of November also influenced the progress of harvesting.
“The second crop production was closed on December 21st 2019 with 1981 hectares that could not be harvested and will be carried over to the first crop of 2020. The shortfall represents in excess of 80,000 tonnes of cane from Albion, 60,000 tonnes of cane from Blairmont and 11,000 tonnes of cane from Uitvlugt that was not harvested.”
“The industry will continue to face challenges to achieving reliability in the factories if operation capital investments continue to be delayed. However, on a more positive note, the productivity of cane fields continued to improve as reflected by cane yields that exceeded the crop estimate on all estates.”
Last year, the corporation pointed out that together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was successful in paving the way for the protection of white sugar produced in CARICOM by securing the commitment of COTED for the application of the Common External Tariff to all non-regional sugars.
“The feasibility study for the Plantation White Sugar Project was completed and the project was found to be feasible. The Corporation has commenced preparations to embark on this new venture in 2020. The addition of Plantation White Sugar and ‘A’ grade molasses for the production of genuine Demerara Rum to the Corporation’s line of value added products will see an increase in revenues both regionally and internationally for the Corporation and all of Guyana.”
The corporation said it anticipates the expansion of its operations in the year 2020, with planned improvements in the fields and factories, as well as the commencement of preparatory works for the installation of a co-generation plant at Albion Estate.
“This is anticipated to support the supply of power to the East Berbice region. The corporation thanks all of its employees for their commitment in the year 2019 and anticipates improvements and deepened co-operation for a successful and more productive 2020.”
GuySuCo has been reduced to three estates after four were closed in the last four years. They are up for privatisation and divestment.
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