CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO), of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Mr. Paul Bhim has said, with a significant improvement in weather conditions, the production has also improved,

He also said it is anticipated that the local industry will, at least, come close to its second crop target of 155,000 tonnes.
In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, earlier this week, he said approximately 53,000 tonnes have been produced, so far, for this crop.
The first crop of this year ended in May after producing nearly 48,000 tonnes, which was, significantly, less than the initial target of 71,000 tonnes.
Although Bhim stated that the current crop is likely to produce near to the targeted tonnage, he noted that it is heavily dependent on the weather, which is, sometimes, unpredictable.
According to him, most estates around the country are performing well, including Skeldon, which factory was, initially, touted to be the flagship of the industry but has since been plagued with several issues affecting its efficient functioning.
Remedial works
The South African firm, Bosch Engineering was contracted to modify the factory and remedial works were completed prior to the commencement of the first 2013 crop. It has, since, been reported that the performance has improved.
Bhim said, though, that the Uitvlugt Factory is, presently, experiencing a labour shortage. Still, he reported an improvement in the workers turnout from previous weeks and, with the better weather conditions, more mechanical harvesting can be done.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Mr. Komal Chand said that the union also hopes that GuySuCo will take full advantage of the weather to “speed up” production.
He pointed out that the corporation is, currently, a far way behind its second crop target and it would be difficult to achieve, given that only a short time remains before the usual rainy period at the end of the year.
However, Chand acknowledged that the main reason for the dismal production is the late start of the Skeldon factory and the temporary closure of the Uitvlugt factory due to continuous and periodic rainfall.
He said there are no major industrial relations issues between GuySuCo Management and workers, except for the usual, relating to payment differences which are being sorted out.
Chand said, too, that workers are looking forward to receiving outstanding payments which were due to them since April of this year.
Job evaluations were done for time-rated workers and, based on those results, workers were awarded in three parts, the last of which was due in April.
Eagerly awaiting
Chand said GuySuCo was unable to pay at that time and the workers are now eagerly awaiting the money.
Bhim gave the assurance that the payout will be made in the first weekend of October and when the corporation should be in a financial position to do so.
Meantime, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy had stated, recently, that GuySuCo will have a new Board of Directors by the end of this month.
He advised that, as promised, there will be changes at both board and management levels in the corporation and Chand remarked that the appointees should be persons in the agriculture field, with related backgrounds, as well as financial skills.