THE news headline: “Poor turnout could scuttle sugar target – Bhim” raises the ugly fact that if the Skeldon Factory is to be fully utilised and the rest of the industry in Demerara is to become profitable, the labour problems must be solved and quickly. If necessary, GuySuCo must think the unthinkable, bringing in workers outside of the union and country. Temporary immigrant workers, from the Caribbean or elsewhere should be considered. The union and the Guyana taxpayers must know that unless the industry prospers, there will be no higher salaries or a positive return on the Skeldon investment. Actually, the tale of the Goose that laid the Golden egg may be used to explain the death of the sugar industry.
The sad thing is that too many Guyanese think its demise would only affect one group and not the nation at large. If the Demerara situation continues, then the estates should be sold. Taxpayers should only help those willing to help themselves, and not be held hostage to unions or politicians.