Interest in the sustainability of the East Demerara estates appeared to have been at a low for sometime resulting in serious neglect in some areas including critical rehabilitation works, an inquiry set up to investigate the estates has found.
The absence of regular management supervision in the fields was also emphasized by the commission, which handed over its report to Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud yesterday, declaring that “everything inside the three volumes is defensible”.
Vic Oditt, former Chairman of GuySuCo, headed the team which conducted the inquiry. In handing over a report of the findings to the Minister of Agriculture, he underscored the issue of the estate being a heartbeat away from the Head Office yet certain key areas were allowed to fall down without anyone taking notice.
Infrastructure at the estate needs upgrading, Oditt said, noting that there is need for serious rehabilitation works to be carried out on the outfalls, sluices and pumps among other things at the estates. He said there is urgent need for greater management supervision in the fields, adding that it would tremendously improve what is happening there.
“Training is another area that must be emphasized and it should be pointed out that the Port Mourant training school is not being fully utilized”, Oditt stated.
Further, he said that accountability remains an issue, and commented that it is time for people to move away from the blame game. Oditt expressed hope that there would be changes after the findings of the report are digested.
The Agriculture Minister, in receiving the report, said he would first need to read it before making any comments. However, he pointed out that the commission was set up after a visit was conducted to the estates and “many serious concerns were raised”.
Persaud noted his intention to refer to the GuySuCo board after reading the report, to discuss what could be implemented, in addition to any corrective action that could be taken. He said there is need for a revamp of the organizational structure of estates across the country, adding that some of the problems that now persist are reflective of a possible accumulation of neglect.
The Minister said too, that there are ongoing discussions with respect to making changes at all levels in estates across the country.
But he pointed out that the new sugar factory at Skeldon will soon come on stream and relieve some of the current problems. The factory has been delayed for sometime now.
Sugar production has slumped in recent years and has resulted in scathing criticism of the Booker-Tate-led management of GuySuCo.