SUGAR

SUGAR:

The sugar industry must survive. It is a commodity/ingredient that is used worldwide for the production of many food products-consumer oriented.

During the time of Bookers, they were confident of sugar demands-worldwide.  So confident they were, that they invested in a Special Trade School at Port Mourant. Training young men and women as technicians for the sugar industry.

The school has since lost its excellence.

If the sugar industry is to survive, then there must be a continuous number of highly skilled individuals to provide efficiencies to its operations.

I would suggest, the school be restored to its original caliber with a revised curriculum. Stressing the process of making sugar and the machineries used in its process. Its planting and cultivation. Many sugar producing countries do have such systems in place for their sugar industry. From time to time, our governments seek their services. It should not be like that. We must understand the industry ourselves.  

In 1960, I was fortunate to gain a place at the Bookers Apprentice Training Centre. The centre was established in 1957.  Boasted the best in the British Commonwealth. Each year, twenty students are accepted for the training. To date, there, might be 1200 graduates. Many have migrated to Canada and United States. A few went off to England. We have all done well. Many have further their education in Engineering. We provide valuable services to hi-tech industries in North America. We are businessmen and women in North America. We are employers in the Manufacturing Sector. Our Skill and Confidence gives us that competitive edge.

During the mid-60’s, when the sugar factories were modernizing. It was the trainees of the Centre who were forefront in the implementation of the expansion Facilities, Power House and Sugar Making Machinery. It is unbelievable, the previous Minister of Agriculture would sought the world at large for solutions to the Skeldon Factory. And there it is all along, Guyanese who were trained in the Sugar Industry weren’t even considered. Ignored at all level of the Government of Guyana.

The new government seeking the help of the Cubans to solve the woes of the industry. Guyanese are sidelined again. Years ago, graduates of Port Mourant were recruited to develop the Nigerian Sugar Factory. As well as the Bahamas Sugar Industry.

 The SUGAR INDUSTRY has the potential of spin off jobs for at least 300 sustainable high priced employment. The Material Control Department is rift with malpractices.

We must develop our economy to produce-it is the only way forward.

And whatever we already have, must be fine-tuned to create employment for Guyanese.

Guysuco’s Materials Control Department have too many overseas suppliers. Many of the purchased items can be quality produced in Guyana. Reduced cost is one factor in consideration. Guysuco does not have competitive bidding systems. They have a buddy system.  

Sugar and Rice will survive as separate products. When combined, several consumer products can be manufactured-aimed at global markets.

It is important for Guysuco to include several of those Port Mourant Graduates on its Board. And if possible the company’s CEO or Chairman of the Board.

Everything is possible. It takes the will and know-how.

www.timehritoday.blogsopt.com

E-mail:   timehri@golden.net

THE DREAMER and THE DREAM

THE DREAMER and THE DREAM:

Shackled by a heavy burden. Instinctively I knew.

Growing up in the home of Peoples Progressive Party activist, I was drawn to the Independence struggle at a very young age. The political campaign of 1953 energized a rhythm. Since then, it has been a drum beat that continued for the last 65 years.

Always the desire of all Guyanese. For many generations. That we should live in harmony.

I am always fond of the fifties-its music- its idyllic way of life-its movies. The freedom of living safe and sound.

I was young then. However, keen on the changes that was taking place in British Guiana and other countries far away. In 1947, I witnessed the celebration of India’s independence at Albion Front. In 1957, I witnessed Ghana Independence celebrations in Rosignol.

When our independence came in 1966. As the Union Jack was gradually lowered. The Golden Arrow hoisted. Simultaneously. At the midnight hour, we were a country shackled to distrust, racial strife and multitudes of false ideologies-alien to the Guyanese way of life. Unintentionally, made us poor and poorer by each passing day.

There were no celebrations in many villages for the birth of a country that nourished us- The Amerinds, The Mixed Races, The Europeans, The Africans and The East Indians. Many went to bed. Like any other day in their lives.

Not so long ago, I watched Jamaicans sang their National Anthem at a Stadium in Jamaica. Such sincerity, conviction and pride. Tears ran down their cheeks. My eyes welled up. Not for them but for my country-Guyana. And I reflected and wished.

May 11, 2015. We woke up from a long slumber of nightmares and dreams. Close to one year from now, we will truly celebrate our independence. In villages, towns and city. We would be 50 years old as an independent nation. A momentous time in our destiny. A government chosen by the people. What a reward to embrace our fiftieth year.    

We have matured. I trust respective political parties will do likewise.

The 28 years of PNC governance had given many citizens much to complain about. Likewise the 23 years of PPP governance. I will not be kind to Forbes or Cheddie.  Forbes set the trend of intimidation of citizens. Cheddie complained vehemently. Yet, in 1992 when Cheddie came to power, he did absolutely nothing for inclusive government. Shackled by burdens they nurtured, we remained divided.

And Cheddie would leave the PPP into the hands of terrible people, who did not spare the abuses of every race of citizens.

The first prayer for Guyana had to be spoken in 1950. It was the emergence of the ungodly in our midst.  Shackled by this heavy burden. For 65 years the faithful prayed. Over generations.

I find the 33 seats of great significance. It continued to stun the Peoples Progressive Party. Victory was so close yet untenable. Pride goeth before the fall.

That is God for you.

For the 2011 election, I wrote a prayer on social media beseeching an AFC victory. Soon after, so much scorn was heaped upon the words. I could only imagine how Enoch and Noah must have felt. These are truly the days of Noah. I kept on Praising God for the victory.  For days the results were withheld. Yet I kept on Praising God. Finally, the Combined Opposition had 33 seats and the Peoples Progressive Party 32 seat. Strangely, in my mind that was a victory for the People of Guyana. Perhaps, not for the political parties.

Proud were the men and women of the PPP-their stupidity got the better of them. Prorogue Parliament and be pompous about it. Bully in their attitude of not deciding on the future of the Parliament and the country. They slapped citizens, threatened to kill citizens, want to strip citizens, use their mouths to abuse Foreign Dignitaries and further disrespected the people of the country with racist comments.  

The words of a Presidential Candidate from Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”

The ungodly.

And the 33 seats returned to haunt the PPP. The same 33 seats which was disrespected, now has honour.

And the Living God answered after 65 years. But the devil is never too far away

President David Arthur Granger, a man who openly profess his faith in the living God. Quamina comes to mind.  A man who also openly professed his faith in the living God. Perhaps the first Christian on the soil of the colony.

Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1. That is for my country. My hope in this President. May he have the Wisdom of Solomon to rule justly over the citizens of Guyana-we are troubled people. May he forever seek excellent Counsel? May the Lord God favour him with East Indians of keen minds in his inner circle?

Shepherd of the flock.

Lord Jesus, You who have charge over the Ministering Angels. Dispatch around the Shepherd thousands of angels. For the battle is the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.

We are still divided on ethnicity, but free for a while to build on trust.

The dreamer had worked for the 1953 PPP campaign. For 2015 campaign, social media was the choice.

The dream-unshackle the burdens of L.F.S Burnham and C.B Jagan.

God be praised.

 E-mail:   timehri@golden.net

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS:

It is said, if one’s house is set in order, then there can be innumerable personal successes[MP1] .

We have many very small businesses in Guyana. If guided by responsible government agencies, they can grow and contribute to society. Perhaps, each creating employment for one or two individuals.

These types of ventures can create substantial employment opportunities for young people.

If we create an environment of proper business systems, we will demonstrate our abilities of producing quality products with credibility. We would have then developed a climate, manufacturing to meet our consumer demands.  Developing what we already have in the country. In controlled fashion.

We can then attract Foreign Investments in manufacturing.

It is a proven fact, those economies with a great emphasis in the manufacturing sector are wealthy nations.  But there are so many things to be ironed out before we can be competitive foreign suppliers. Container costs are sometimes prohibitive for the export of some of our agricultural commodities.

See “JOB CREATION” on www.timehritoday.blogspot.com 

SETTING THE TREND:

Previous governments have put in place the basics for a manufacturing sector. But, they did not follow through with the commitment of getting it on track.    

It is important to stream line products that are manufactured in Guyana at the present-be it arts and craft with fabric and wood or metal fabrication. The possibility exists that entrepreneurs are operating their businesses in archaic conditions, thereby missing out on much needed technical support. They are small, not needing large spaces for their businesses, the lack of finances to purchase or rent adequate spaces in an appropriate environment are hindrance to their growth.

At all costs, emphasis and effort must be made to create sustainable employment. At the onset the costs would be great, but it is setting the groundwork of the acceptable trends. 

SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Industrial Estates managed by NICIL are under-utilized.  These Industrial Estates must be enhanced to encourage growth and employment.

1)      Industrial Malls should constructed with spaces of 1000 sqft.

2)      There must frequent surveillance (day and night) to ensure the security of investments. Guyana has developed a culture of complete disrespect for the properties of others. It is important the State be involved in the policing until the lawlessness achieves a level of acceptance. This is crucial in the campaign for Foreign Investments.

3)      Waste Disposal. Currently that is a major problem at Industrial Sites.

4)      Power Generation at Industrial Estates to meet the necessary needs. A combination of Wind, Solar and Fuel power generation must be implemented. This method will control maintenance and power generation for prescribed needs of each of the Industrial Estates throughout the country. Lower usage and costs for transmission lines.  A  Co-operative Body manages the day to day operations of the Power Generation Facilities.  Manufacturing needs sustainable electricity at a reasonable costs.

5)      A Council set up to monitor and provide support to entrepreneurs on the manufacture of their products. This approach will ensure productivity, safe working environment for employees and the assurances that employee are sustainable employed with decent wages to provide for good and meaningful lives for their families.

6)      Taxation and NIS are better monitored with this system-better for the government, employers and employees.

7)      Progress can be measured easily.

8)      Reviews, Revisions and Implementations are less cumbersome.

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

timehri@golden.net

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LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET:

Remember our history and our roots.

Doan get too uppity.

In this crucial time of Guyana’s history, nothing stops the desperate with their racist rhetoric. They have categorised this country as EAST INDIANS and OTHERS-creating subservient levels.

On a day like today (May 5), one hundred and seventy seven years ago a people came to this colony. The Indian Arrival Committee celebrates this day with the East Indians of the country. Perhaps the day was the same. As when the Whitby sailed into the Demerara River.

Sometime in December 1837, the Whitby sailed up the Hooghly River in West Bengal. As with every ship to the Port of Calcutta, it moored at the Landing –a site chosen and developed by Job Charnok, an Englishman in 1690. Nearby, the compound of Garden Reach Depot with several thatched roof, mud-walled structures. On the earthen floors, about half a foot higher than the surrounding compound, piled a layer of grass. The last monsoon rains made mud of the soil. And the cold weather had arrived. The human cargo of 249 secured under the watchful eyes of men armed with laths. Some freely choose, some tricked by false promises and some kidnapped.

The letter from John Gladstone had requested that number from Messrs Gillanders, Arbuthnot & Co.

As the Hooghly River rose on January 13, 1838, the men along with the few women and children walked single-filed onto the plank gangway and boarded the Whitby. Each carried a small bundle of their meagre belongings. Frail looking. Closely watched and guarded by the armed men. For they were paid on the numbers that boarded the ship. Receiving a small commission from Messrs  Gillanders, Arbuthnot & Co. for the recruiting service they performed. They had provided that service for many years, sending shiploads to Mauritius.

As with any seaport, smelly dead fish, crabs and weeds are part of the scenery. Seagulls flying overhead. Some perched on masts. Some scurrying along decks. All in quarrelsome shrilling sounds.

Calcutta, the city, not too distant, filled with activities as any city in the world. Busy. Musicians, singers and dancers. Over-crowded slums of Biharis escaping the burdens of Brahmin Zamindars. Famine never ceased since the Brahmins became civil servants to the East Indian Company.

With the tide of the river heading out to sea, the Bay of Bengal, that dusky evening. The moorings of the Whitby cast off. Stored in its cargo hold were barely enough provisions and water for the crossing. John Gladstone, an international trader of commodities owned the Whitby and many more ships. He was known to be a shrewd businessman, conscious of maximizing profits.

In the narrow spaces below deck, two hundred and forty nine passengers tightly packed.

Only four years previously, African slaves shipped in the similar manner. Rough sawn planks placed together in the hold. And as many levels to accommodate the number of human cargo. On deck, the crew cared less whether slavery was abolished. For the white men, it was just another group of dark-skinned slaves. “Instead from West Africa, it is now Calcutta”, they may have thought.

The Whitby manoeuvered away from shifting sandbanks of the Hooghly River passing barges of jute and coal commodore by Bengali men singing their river songs.

Below deck, the indentured would hear the passing voices.

During the crossing, they reflected many times on Pinjre ke panji re. A bhajan.

Lest We Forget.

Now all was not well as the tale spun by Governor Light, for the courage of a Negro schoolmaster living in Belle Vue Estate would urge him to hint at the cruelties meted out to the coolies. Berkley was an exceptional man. In 1838, such a man was not easily found in the colony-to sacrifice his well-being for the cause of humanity. Banished from the estate and forced to watch the slaughter of his live stock. Denied his salary and persecuted by every plantation owner in the district. His punishment for revealing the evil acts of, “when the portion of coolies arrived at Plantation Belle Vue, there were no building prepared for their reception. The four room sick-house was emptied of the sick Negro workers. And the eighty emigrants herded in-men and women, all together. For three months, they were kept in that loathsome den without regard to decency. The whip, the bamboo and involuntary confinement were regularly used on the coolies to compel labour or fulfill the vindictive habits of the estate’s manager.”   

Those on the Whitby and Hesperus were the first foot prints of East Indians in the Crown Colony of British Guiana. Men, women and children whose names did not matter, only numbers identified them. A system used to identify West Africans on slave ships ferrying the Middle Passage.  Sharks followed the ships between West African and the Caribbean. A feeding frenzy of the human remains cast over board due to their death.

Some fifteen years earlier, 1823, the Demerara Slave Rebellion occurred. Plantation Success, the estate on which Quamina was a slave. And owned by John Gladstone. The son of Quamina was one of the organizers of the revolt.

Reverend John Smith posted to the colony by the London Missionary Society, a replacement to Reverend John Wray who went to Berbice rather than Demerara on his return. John Smith came to the colony intent on teaching the slaves of Demerara to read and write. He challenge the Colonial Governor on the law passed in the British Parliament spearheaded by William Wilberforce.

Between a network of educated house and field slaves, they communicated information. Read from their Masters correspondences from England. Misinformed, the slaves concluded slavery was abolished but the Baccra refused to free them. And they revolted.

The Rebellion was planned at a Church gathering. Quamina was not present. When informed, he extracted a promise that no Plantation owner must be killed.

The revolt was put down quickly. Slaves loyal to their Masters, informed of the plans of the revolt. And the leaders of the rebellion was decapitated and displayed for all to see at the Parade Grounds.

The barbarism sent to shock waves back in Britain. Ordinary citizens boycotted West Indian made products. A campaign of signatures demanded the British Parliament put an end to slave practices in all British Colonies.

The Demerara Revolt brought the end of slavery.

Also, it created the opportunity for East Indian foot prints upon this land of which we have nourished ourselves.

This election day, I ask you to vote for civil liberties, justice for the impoverished and everything that sets us on the path of excellent governance.

Vote APNU+AFC.

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com      

Velutha Kuttapen

 e-mail:   timehri@golden.net

Twitter:   Velutha Kuttapen@VeluthaK