THE time has come for an investigation into the Skeldon Sugar Factory.
There should be a special investigation committee of independent persons, comprising highly technical persons, to investigate why the factory cannot operate at full capacity after its completion. The Minister of Agriculture should appoint such a committee in consultation with the two unions that are representing workers in the industry. Unless some stern actions are taken against those who are responsible for the failure of this factory, the sugar industry will continue to suffer. The losers will always be the ordinary workers and taxpayers.
The Skeldon sugar factory could produce 300,000 tonnes a year if more lands are available to cultivate more cane in the Moleson Creek area. Given our endowment of extensive and rich agricultural lands, it is a matter of commonsense to make the expansion of sugar cane cultivation one of the main planks of the development strategy. To ensure that the factory has an adequate, regular and varied supply of cane is one of the main aims of bountiful production.
As I have said before, we will have to acquire, adapt and develop technology as the propellant, so to speak, of our development activities. I have argued at several fora, and at different times, that economic and social progress is not sustainable, or even possible without transparency.
The debt problems in the sugar industry have milked our country of much of its resources. The debt of this factory has been taking too much of our scarce resources.
Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly that I am not against foreign management, but in principle I do not believe that it should,   in every instance be the first or only option when we have the expertise here.

And by this I am speaking of neglecting our own people; we cannot and must not take this lightly. The new interim Board has not delivered on the  plan of action for the industry, and I urge the President to take note of this and ensure that he finds the best people possible to manage this state-owned entity and give them clear mandates without too much political interference.