…to ensure production target is achieved
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has emphasized the need for workers to cooperate with the management of GuySuCo, so as to ensure that the target of 25,000 tonnes of sugar to be produced this year at the Enmore Estate is achieved. The minister, during a meeting Thursday with Enmore estate workers said that of the 25,291 tonnes the estate is expected to produce this year, 12,633 tonnes is expected to be achieved in the first crop and 12,658 in the second crop.
However, sugar workers stated that for this to be achieved a better labour force, additional bell-loaders and a pay increase is necessary.
The meeting, which saw the participation of scores of workers, was aimed at addressing constraints in an effort to ensure a more diversified and modernized industry.
Among issues raised were NIS contributions not forwarded to the scheme, equipment for harvesting, salary increases and a secondary school to be constructed in the area.
In relation to the issue of NIS contributions, Persaud said that a unit will be created shortly, jointly managed by GuySuCo and the NIS to ensure that workers receive their benefits, in a timely manner.
He cautioned that the sugar corporation’s management has a right to follow-up on workers’ claims to ensure that their contributions are remitted to the scheme.
“GuySuCo’s management is currently investigating the issue of non-payment of benefits since there have been a lot of complaints across the industry and we are going to try and sort this out. A lot of monies are being invested into this venture,” the minister said.
Minister Persaud said the sugar industry is facing challenges, regionally, but with the current high prices there has been market interest coupled with the Enmore packaging plant coming on stream, a 40 percent increase over bulk sugar is expected.
To further support the industry’s ‘Turnaround plan’ the government will make available to the corporation a further $1B to assist in clearing expenses and salary increases.
“There is a firm commitment by the government to support the industry… starting today, parliament will approve an amendment to the income tax and corporate tax act which will now make it legal for you not to pay taxes,” he said.
“Your benefits are not only what you would negotiate with GuySuCo, but also what is taking place at the wider national scale and we want to ensure that all workers, especially the sugar workers too, benefit; and this coming year, once we are able to see production increase, all of us can look forward to better conditions,” he added. (GINA)