PLANS are afoot to revitalise the West Demerara sugar estates in keeping with government’s ongoing investment to modernise and improve the competitiveness of the industry, and in this regard workers are being urged to embrace and support these efforts.

This point was emphasised by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, during his address to field and office workers and representatives from the various workers’ unions at a meeting held last Monday at the Uitvlugt Community Centre, West Coast Demerara. Acting General Manager of West Demerara Sugar Estates, Vinoor Ramnandan, Region 3 (Essequibo islands/West Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber and representatives from various public utility entities were present at the meeting.

Workers were informed that contrary to suggestions, by some individuals and international agencies that provide support to the industry, to reduce the number of sugar estates as efforts continue to sustain the sector, government has maintained its position to continue the operation of all eight estates.

They were also informed that investments will be made to revitalise the West Demerara Estates while changes will be made at the management and other levels to ensure efficient operations and that they must remain vigilant to ensure that the systems which are being implemented are effective, the benefits of which would be seen in the long-term.

With regard to workers’ welfare, it was highlighted that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) spends approximately 51 percent of its earnings on wages and salaries. Also, some of the benefits such as tax allowances that sugar workers enjoy are not given to many other public servants.

It was pointed out that although there is a long-term viability for investing in sugar, it is recognised that there will be many difficulties such as the price cuts, adjustment to the marketing arrangement with Europe and climate change.

Reference was made to reduction of opportunity days from 120 to 50 as a result of the erratic weather conditions. However, workers are being assured of continued investments in resources that seek to maximise the days available and they are being called upon to support the process.

Guysuco will be investing approximately $2B in the industry during this year and while it is agreed that there is need for more investments, the allocation is based on the state and the corporation’s financial ability.

At present, the largest single investment in the country is being made in sugar to establish a modern factory and co-generation facility at Skeldon while additional resources are being spent to set up a packaging facility at Enmore. Another main project being pursued is establishment of a refinery.

These are all part of the administration’s objective to increase the industry’s competitiveness by bringing the cost of production from 18 US cents per pound to 11 US cents per pound so it can compete on the world market.

It was noted that many of the issues that trigger industrial action are sometimes not linked to Guysuco’s operations such as electricity, water supply, national insurance and tax.

In order to facilitate discussions with workers on these and other issues that affect them, meetings were organised by Minister Persaud with representatives from the various utility entities.

These include the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

During the meeting several issues relating to services provided by these entities were raised and discussed with the various representatives.

The need for more machinery at the West Demerara Estates was another issue raised and workers were told that this is recognised and efforts are being made to have it addressed. The sugar industry contributes between 17 and 18 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment for more than 30, 000 persons.