GuySuCo CEO, Mr. Errol Hanoman (at extreme left) and Minister Robert Persaud (at extreme right) with the 2009 Port Mourant Training Centre graduating class.

CHAIRMAN of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board, Dr Nanda Gopaul has exhorted the 2009 graduates from its Port Mourant Training Centre, Corentyne, Berbice, to stay and devotedly serve to ensure a turnaround in fortunes for the industry.

He made the appeal last Friday at the 48th annual graduation ceremony, where he addressed the gathering which included Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Errol Hanoman, other corporation officials and Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha.

Gopaul told the 37 graduates that the enterprise can ill afford any brain drain at this time.

“The discipline you applied in your studies must be reflected in your work,” he implored them.

Gopaul cautioned the graduating batch that they will, from time to time, experience frustration on the job but pleaded with them not to be deterred from climbing the ladder of success.

He pointed out, too, that graduation does not mean the end of studies, as it is the beginning of a process of learning much more.

Gopaul reminded that GuySuCo training is intended to produce individuals capable of manning the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) and he lauded the graduates’ parents for supporting them throughout their course.

Persaud also commended the performance of the trainees and contended that, given the current challenges facing the industry, a workplace culture attuned to its needs is required for forward movement.

In this regard, he said, the graduates have an important role to play in fostering the changes needed to engender the success of GuySuCo.

Persaud emphasised that their contributions is needed now, more than ever before, because the industry is affected by global challenges and the European Union (EU) support, to compensate for the 36 per cent cut on sugar prices, has been coming in drops.

He said Government, with its own limited resources, has been making the necessary changes and investments to keep the sector afloat.

NOT ENOUGH
But they are not enough and much more work is required for the industry to reach the desired level of satisfaction.

Persaud said Government wants to modernise the industry by putting the best available technology at the corporation’s disposal.

He said that involves training ordinary workers to operate modern equipment, with the intention not to allow new developments to cause their layoff.

The graduates celebrating. (Adrian Narine photo)

Persaud said training of the workers will change the common perception of them being alcoholics and uneducated and is in keeping with the corporation’s thrust to create a humane, worker-friendly environment.

He disclosed that $130M will be spent to raise the standard of work in the curriculum at Port Mourant Training Centre to make the future of the industry bright.

Hanoman said the corporation is a field of opportunities but success will require hard work, dedication and discipline.

“You are the future of the industry,” the CEO told the former apprentices.

He said GuySuCo is committed to being “worker friendly” and will always be open to them airing their concerns and offering solutions.

During their four years of training, the graduates honed their skills as electricians, fitter machinists, diesel mechanics, agriculture mechanics, sugar boilers and auto electricians.

Outstanding graduates and current apprentices were all presented with prizes.