…the industry continues to serve our county in a multifaceted way
GOVERNMENT Member of Parliament and Head of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, called on colleague MPs yesterday in the National Assembly not to downplay the contributions the sugar sector plays in the development of Guyana.And he pointed out that Budget 2014 identifies some of the steps to be taken to address challenges in the sugar sector.
He said, “We should not downplay the fact that even at this time, the industry continues to serve our country in a multifaceted way.
…lately we heard of suggestions that the industry should move away from sugar production and venture into other areas, such as ethanol and aquaculture. I share the concerns, but do not agree with the solutions advanced.”
Chand maintained his optimism of a turnaround of the industry.
“It is within our possibilities. Such a feat has been done before,” he said, referring to the period between the late 80s and early 90s, when production dwindled to 154,740 tonnes.
According to him, it was under the current administration, beginning from 1992, that there was an increase in production to 319,587 tonnes – a gradual reversal.
“This industry can do this again, I am certain,” he said.
Chand added that Guyana cannot afford not to recognise the importance of the industry, particularly to the livelihood of thousands.
He said, “We cannot fail to recall that the industry remains an important and intrinsic component of not just our economy, but of Guyana’s social fabric.
“Its development and progress over the last three and a half centuries is largely responsible for thousands of slaves and indentured labourers being brought to our country. For many of their descendants the industry has become their economic lifeline.”
According to him, it is incumbent on members of the National Assembly to continue to actively support the industry.
Chand said, “The industry has directly provided, through the Sugar Levy, billions of dollars that was channelled into the Consolidated Fund.
“(We cannot deny) its role in producing thousands of artisans from its Pourt Mourant Training Centre and the provision of land for housing, among others.
“The Government has shown its supportive hand and I urge that we all do the same.”
He underscored the fact that with good guidance and leadership, sugar remains a viable venture.
On that note, Chand made clear the need for a new Board for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to be appointed.
“For those who have a negative view of the industry’s prospects, it is unfortunate. It is still a viable venture,” the Government MP said.
The sugar industry is projected to record an improvement of 15.6 percent in output to 215,910 tonnes and a whopping $6B has been allocated to the sector in the 2014 Budget, given the industry’s important role in national development.
Among the measures to be undertaken to ensure a turnaround of the industry are increased production and lower cost of production, diversified target markets, and expansion of value added production, in order to survive.
In 2013, sugar exports accounted for 8.3 percent of total exports, valued at US$112.2M, and the industry contributed 3.9 percent of the country’s GDP.
By Vanessa Narine