IN a significant development, the Rose Hall sugar estate has recommenced the grinding of sugarcane, marking a revival in the region’s sugar industry. The factory had been closed in August 2020 as part of efforts to “right-size” the industry.

The news of the sugarcane grinding resumption was shared by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during the commissioning of a model farm at Fort Wellington, on Saturday last.
The reopening of the factory is expected to bring about substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities in Berbice.
Minister Mustapha revealed, “We have seen a number of punts of canes being crushed at Rose Hall. To date, they have produced just over 130 tonnes of sugar.”
Despite some mechanical issues encountered in the factory, Minister Mustapha expressed optimism about its continued operation.
He noted that the government is actively addressing these concerns, saying, “Many parts in the factory now, we are seeing problems with and as it comes up, we are trying to rectify it. As a matter of fact, the steam problem in terms of the boiler, we are getting leaks and so forth. So, we have to continue to look at those…That is why we have not started the full commissioning yet. In another couple of days, I am hoping that they can get everything correct and the factory can go to its full capacity.”

This development aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, ultimately enhancing livelihoods and contributing to global food security.
Minister Mustapha also highlighted that sugarcane workers from Albion are assisting in the harvesting process at Rose Hall sugar estate.
He explained, “As usual, at Blairmont, Albion, and Rose Hall, whenever you have excessive cane, you use cutters from other estates to cut the cane. But they will be entitled to certain payments, and those payments are being executed…and you have harvesters who were employed at Rose Hall are cutting the canes too.”

Approximately 1,100 workers have already been employed at the Rose Hall estate, and the estate is expected to make a positive contribution towards achieving the target of producing approximately 60,000 tonnes of sugar for the year.