– Government responsible for confused state-of-affairs
The year also ends on a sour note as there seems to be no clarity regarding that confusion that has surrounded the sugar industry. Guyanese learnt early in the year that at the end of 2017, unbeknownst to the public, the Administration substantially stripped the GuySuCo of its assets relating to the closed estates and transferred them without liability to NICIL. Also, the shares of the Corporation were also transferred to NICIL.
Then with all the behind the scene manifestations, a new GuySuCo Board of Directors was apparently appointed by NICIL, the Corporation’s new shareholder. That Board, which was announced with several full-coloured newspaper advertisements, was quickly disowned by the Government. The Administration explained it hadn’t approved the new Board though the media subsequently published a Cabinet memorandum which confirmed that the Government had indeed approved a new Board. The Administration, caught with its pants down, reversed gear and said that the Clive Thomas-headed Board remained in charge. That Board life came to an end since April, this year and after several missed deadlines, a new Board headed by Mr John Dow was finally appointed in the latter part of 2018.
The clear confusion regarding sugar was also manifested when we saw musical chairs being played by the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance, with both gentlemen denying they had Ministerial responsibility for the industry. Then suddenly and without any forewarning, the Agriculture Minister announced he was in charge of GuySuCo though no explanation, as far as we recall, was ever provided as to how the contradictions were resolved.
At this time, it seems that relations between GuySuCo and NICIL-SPU have reached its lowest ebb. Media reports have highlighted what seems to be an almost virtual standoff position between the two bodies. Most recently, press reports have spoken about the wrangling regarding the refurbished LBI Club, which from the looks of it, appears to have benefitted from tens of millions of dollars in work. The relations between the two (2) bodies charged with managing the sugar industry seems to be characterized by acrimony and discord, and has now, seemingly, reached a sad point, where, from all appearances, salvos are being traded in the media. The airing of the disagreements in the public, we believe, cannot be helpful to the industry’s cause at this time. At this point in time, when the livelihoods of thousands of workers stand in the balance, and the Guyanese people’s assets have been essentially mortgaged to secure the $30B financing, the confusion that reigns cannot be encouraging.
The apparent infighting between the two (2) sugar management bodies, in our view, has to be laid squarely at the doorstep of the Government. The Administration, through its own indecision, has, in effect, allowed the situation to reach this sad point. Our Union, from press reports, also recognized that there seem to be some degree of confusion within the Administration regarding the sugar industry. That, it seems, has now spilled over into the industry’s management and which will not help in confidence building and commitment, essential elements for success.
At this time, the GAWU reiterates that situation cannot be allowed to continue the way it is as it is not in the interest of anyone, especially the workers. The GAWU calls on the Government to apprehend the sad situation that is prevailing. It is time to end the tug-of-war!
