GuySuCo, SPU spat symptomatic of deeper gov’t divisions

Dear Editor,

The public spat between the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the Special Project Unit of NICIL would have been something of a comedy were it not for the serious implications it could have on the level of efficiency and morale of Senior Staff of GuySuCo.

GuySuCo still remains the single largest employer of labour in Guyana despite its downsizing and continues to play a vital role in the economic life of the country. The fact that the Corporation has exceeded its projected target, albeit modest, is indicative of the fact that workers’ morale at all levels continues to be high despite the ill-fated decision by the current APNU+AFC Government to close down several of the productive sugar estates including the flagship Skeldon Estate.

The current spat between GuySuCo and the SPU is symptomatic of deeper divisions between important agencies of the government and points in the direction of an emerging governance crisis.

It is not too late for the government to reconsider its decision to close down the sugar estates, taking into account the prospects of sugar in the world market and the enormous potential for subsidiary  operations including cogeneration and ethanol production.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally