Dear Editor,
The sugar industry seems to be heading for a major self-inflicted implosion. The government of the day should undertake urgent mea-sures to save an industry built on the backs of those who endured the brutality of slavery and indenture-ship. The industry is a national heri-tage, which if properly developed, can be beneficial to every single Guyanese citizen. Our sugarcane fields have long been fertilized by the blood and bones of our forefathers. Their sacrifices must be honoured.
Since nationalization of our two major industries, bauxite and sugar, has the Nation seen much benefit? Government supporters celebrated when Demba was converted to ‘Ahwee-ba’ but the fruits have been bitter and after the establishment of GuySuCo, the sugar workers have been forced to suck cane. The PNC, under Burnham, imposed levy after levy and laid the foundation for the destruction of an industry nurtured by centuries of sweat, blood and tears of our predecessors. Cuffy (real name should be Kofi, a boy child born on a Friday), deserves more than a statue.
The industry is crying out for Critical Support. There can be no substitute for good management, the formulation and execution of well-laid plans, technical expertise and freedom from political interference. There is need for a broader vision. The sugar industry cannot survive solely on the production of sugar. Management should consider spinoff industries and the establishment of alternative crops for sugar workers off season. Guyana cannot become a breadbasket merely by saying so. We have the workers and the land to make this a reality, but proper incentives are a priority.
The Guyana School of Agriculture can play a pivotal role. Field workers should be deployed to educate farmers in best agricultural practices. There is a crying need for Agri-based industries. With cheaper power generation, this is certainly now possible. Those in a position of responsibility must act now. The Government should not forget 2015 and the disastrous consequences ensued when many of their supporters abstained from the General Elections. To save the industry, this must not be allowed to ever happen again.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ganraj Kumar
Physician Specialist and proud son of a grass-cutter and grandson of Inden-tured workers