Scores of workers at the Diamond Sugar Estate yesterday downed tools in protest at a decision by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to transfer them to the LBI Estate.

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Mr. Komal Chand told the Guyana Chronicle that the union believes the latest move by the Corporation is to close the 1,694 areas of cane cultivation at the Diamond Estate in keeping with its cost-cutting measures.

He pointed out that GuySuCo has not been carrying out rehabilitation work and application of fertilisers on the estate, and if the Company intends to cease cultivation there, his union will be opposed to the idea.

Chand explained that closure of cultivation at the Diamond Estate would negatively impact GuySuCo’s sugar output and might adversely affect workers of the estate.

The top GAWU official said he has written to GuySuCo seeking a discussion on the matter but is yet to receive a definite response.

Officials of GAWU and GuySuCo met yesterday to look at the problem, and according to Chan, the two parties are expected to meet again on Friday.

Meanwhile, the GAWU President said the stand-off is expected to continue today.