Reconciling two conflicting forecasts on sugar development

Dear Editor,

According to the Stabroek News of May 20, “Fifty hectares of land at Blairmont, West Coast Berbice are now being developed to accommodate the varietal field research programme…” – a move estimated ‘to set back sugar development for at least a year’ – reported to be ‘part of GuySuCo’s consolidating and transitional plans’ – even though it was earlier reported that the Corporation might have been taken by surprise by the aggressive action of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA). Presumably the ‘plans’ would have addressed the number of varieties of cane that can be cultivated at Blairmont and the technically advisable periods of time involved from planting to reaping for trials.

 Of the (extra) eighteen workers to be absorbed at the LBI laboratory, one will be assigned to Blairmont. There is no indication given of the other technically qualified personnel that would manage, operate the new scientific facility at that location, even though all estates’ agriculture staff would normally include the position of Agronomist, who must be at least a graduate in agriculture.

Commonsense is puzzled by the earlier assertion of a ‘setback of sugar development for at least a year’ and of Mr. Gavin Ramnarine, Head of the Research Centre reported bemoaning in 2020 ‘that the sugar canes they started breeding in recent year will take years before they reach commercial stage’. It seems not unreasonable to ask: how do the two forecasts reconcile – at least without regard to weather patterns? En passant, it would be interesting to learn of terms of employment of the unidentified transferee (and family?) while the mourning “Head of Research” remains at LBI.

Sincerely,

Conscientious

 Observer