THE Guyana-based Caribbean Sugar Association (CSA) has disclosed that it is seeking partnerships with companies in the United States of America (USA), including the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, to support the Region’s sugar industries.

And Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy told the Guyana Chronicle that the support being sought is critical. “The participation of the American companies and other partners is critical for the survival of the (association). Guyana supports the proposed arrangement,” he said.

The support would specifically involve financing for the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station in Barbados, to allow the facility to advance new technologies and retain qualified personnel. Dr. Ramsammy disclosed that the Breeding Station, operating for about a century now, is very important and is one of the premier sugar cane research centres in the world.

“The sugar industry is dependent on new varieties to maintain high yields and prevent sugar cane cultivation from being destroyed by pests and diseases. It also has to adapt to new climatic conditions,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

The sugar industries of the Caribbean territories are faced with several challenges, Dr. Ramsammy disclosed. “With all the territories encountering difficulties, and some closing down sugar operations, the capacity of the only surviving sugar cane cultivating countries to maintain the centre has proven financially onerous,” he said, reiterating the importance of partnerships.

The Agriculture Minister also noted that the undertaking by the Caribbean Sugar Association is fully supported by the sugar-producing countries of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), being Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Belize.

(Vanessa Narine)