Dear Editor,
Anyone who believes that sugar has a future, in terms of impacting Guyana’s social and economic strata (as in the past), is experiencing denial, and is refusing to accept reality because it is too painful. The challenges sugar cane faces on the world market are overwhelming. Among these are, (1) sugar substitutes, eg, Cafe Delight ‒ calorie free; Sweet ʼN Low ‒ zero calorie sweetener; Truvia; Splenda. (2) The popular sodas (sweet drinks) come with labels proclaiming ‘zero calories’. There may be false science involved in advertising, however the emphasis is on consuming fewer calories, since Ameri-cans are disproportionately affected with obesity and diabetes. (4) Packaging ‒ attractive small 2gram packets. (5) Subsidies ‒ How do subsidies in the developed countries which produce beet sugar and other sugar cane alternatives, impact the price of sugar on the world market?
Alternative cost/opportunity cost should be a major consideration in any decision to restructure the industry.
Enough of the socialist and communist rhetoric!
Yours faithfully,
George Daniels