We should not lose the renewed sense of hope in sugar by appointing a Board

Dear Editor, The GAWU, we are sure, like many Guyanese were surprised when they read the April 19, 2018 Stabroek News and learnt that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said he was searching for persons to name to the Board of Directors of the GuySuCo. One may have had to read this article, twice, thrice and even more times to confirm that their eyes were being honest. For us, this has to be probably the most interesting aboutturn for the Agriculture Minister who proclaimed, just weeks ago, that GuySuCo was no longer on his table. Interestingly, the Minister offered no explanation for the change-of-heart or mind. Maybe he is on autopilot or forgot what he said.

Nevertheless, whatever the case may be, this is another sad turn in the confusion that has beset the sugar industry in recent weeks. The Minister’s nominees would be interesting especially in view of the ‘differences’ in the administration that has been reported in the media. Now, more than ever, there is a strong need for capable, committed and motivated leadership of the sugar industry. We can no longer continue to inflict blunder after blunder as we have seen in the last two years.

The industry is capable of success, as we have consistently held and from what we believe is driving the direction being laid out by the current leadership of the corporation. We should not lose this opportunity for the renewed sense of hope to be wasted by the appointment of a Board which may have dissimilar intents and views. The GAWU urges the Minister to be bold and to do what is right, in the interest of all Guyanese now and in the future. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU