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.

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E-mail:   timehri@golden.net