Government says sugar industry cannot make a profit but is attempting to sell it on international market
Dear Editor,
Sugar was first cultivated in Guyana in the 1630s, and on a plantation scale, probably in the 1650s, that is, nearly 400 years ago. Apart from our Amerindian brothers and sisters, every ethnic group owes their presence in Guyana to a greater or lesser extent, to sugar. From all indications, after just under three years of the coalition government in office, large portions of a 400-year old industry will be closed by year end. Despite the fact that thousands of workers and their families will be put on the breadline and an even larger number, who are indirectly dependent on the industry, will be severely affected in an already depressed economic environment, the government remains unmoved. Dozens of continuing protest actions across the country, pleas from the labour movement and the political opposition have, thus far, yielded no positive response. Calls from the private sector, religious organisations and concerned groups of Guyanese, both in and out of Guyana, have gone unheeded.
The government is proceeding along this path with alarming rapidity and without resort to the types of consultations which are obviously required, having regard to the magnitude of the impact the diminution of this industry will have on the Guyanese economy. In fact, the government has obstinately refused to do any form of impact assessment in respect of the industry. A White Paper was laid by the government through the Minister of Agriculture in the National Assembly, but was never debated. An attempt by the opposition to move a motion in the National Assembly to discuss the impact that the closure of this industry will have on the nation, was denied by the Speaker. Earlier, a Commission of Inquiry established by the President to enquire into the industry, made a dossier of recommendations, none of which included the closure of any estate. From all appearances, these recommendations have been tossed aside.
All of this made sense when a document executed by the government dated 16th November 2016, was revealed