PPP/C presidential candidate Irfaan Ali has dismissed criticisms that his plans to reopen shuttered sugar estates are unrealistic, while maintaining that he has a sound plan to resuscitate the industry.
Ali said that save for the Wales, West Bank of Demerara estate, where sugar cultivation has been discontinued and the infrastructure dismantled and lands sold, a PPP/C government will ensure the estates closed by the APNU+AFC government are back up, running efficiently and turning a profit.
“We have already made it clear publicly that we intend to reopen three of the four estates…,” Ali said as he explained that while Wales will not be reopened, he has plans to bring back economic opportunities for persons in that area.