Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha
The PPP/C government argued that the closures created a downward spiral in the local economy and in recognising the hardships it is intent on reopening these closed estates and advance them to a state of profitability in due course.
In this regard, a new board and management were installed and a strategic business plan for the period 2021-2025 was put into operation.
In detailing the developments since August 2020, Minister Mustapha noted the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate and the rehiring of sugar-estate employees who lost their jobs.
“1,000 sugar workers were re-employed, and an additional 200 persons will be re-employed in the 2nd half of 2022,” he detailed.
Additionally, sugar works across Region 3, 4, 5, 6 received Weekly Production Incentives and other incentives for the 1st crop of 2021.
The government intends to restore the operating capacity and efficiency on the three grinding estates by 2023 while concurrently re-opening Rose Hall by the 2nd Crop of 2023.
Mustapha said there will also be reduced sales of the bulk market by 10% between 2021 and 2026 while also optimizing sales mix in packaging.
There will also be the restoration of the socio-economic balance in the sugar belt and greater engagement to ensure private partnerships to re-developing Skeldon Estate, agro-energy, ethanol, refinery, aquaculture and more.
Currently, the Corporation has four packaging lines at Enmore Packaging Plant, aimed at producing hygienically packaged sugar for both the local and export markets mainly targeting the confectionery market.
“This government has always recognised the need for careful diversification of the sector and has been strategic in its efforts in this regard. For instance, the Corporation is slated to conduct a feasibility study on the production of Ethanol at Uitvlugt Estate in 2022. This project stands to not only support the programme of diversification, but also to contribute in project areas consistent with Guyana’s Low Carbon Strategy. Additionally, the generation of electricity from the estates is being explored,” Mustapha said in a written response.
