Dear Editor,

With reference to a letter published in your newspaper by writer Mr Sasenarine Singh (‘GuySuCo turnaround requires skilled strategists, technicians,’ March 1) the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc wishes to state that it is always appreciative of constructive engagements as it seeks to not only revamp but expand our sugar industry to an unprecedented level over the next few years.

However, one has to understand that the dynamics of this industry have shifted dramatically over the years, which is why the corporation has a difficulty in accepting instances where the issue of ‘climate change/global warming’ is used very loosely.

In his letter, Mr Singh used the term “global warming” and later referred to this as an “act of God.” It is not for the corporation to debate who or what is responsible for climate change; however, attempts to trivialize the impact of the extremes in weather on the sugar industry cannot go unnoticed.

The letter writer claims to be living in a developed country where bad weather is not a reason for not delivering on one’s objectives.

It would be interesting for the gentleman to point out for the readership, exactly what was the primary cause of the shortfall for sugar on the world market in 2009 which continues into 2010? At the same time, could the writer say why it is that in just one monsoon period the second largest sugar producer in the world, that is India, went from a net exporter to a net importer of the commodity?

Even the world’s largest economy was not spared as in late 2009 during a cold front, the US Department of Agriculture was called in to assist beet producers in affected states.

Despite the impact of climate change on our industry and taking into consideration the availability of resources when compared to the larger sugar-producing nations, a turnaround plan was not only drafted but is rapidly being implemented. This was not only focused on returning the industry to viability, but to use technology and a one-team effort involving board, management and workers to accelerate sugar production to over 400,000 tonnes by 2013.

Also, significant funds have been approved in 2010 to refurbish the industry’s infrastructure, agriculture and factory equipment.

Yours faithfully,
Mahendra Roopnarine
PRO
GuySuCo