Second crop production severely behind schedule – Gov’t sorely lacking

The GAWU, together with the NAACIE, at a joint meeting with the GuySuCo on October 01, 2019 was most worried when it learnt that the ongoing 2019 second crop is, at this time, very much behind the Corporation’s production schedule. At this time, the industry is in the 7^th week of the 18 week scheduled second crop.

From the engagement, our Union learnt that as at last weekend (September 28), the Corporation’s aggregate second crop production reached 21,869 tonnes sugar. In keeping with the production schedule, sugar production ought to have reached 33,892 tonnes. Thus, GuySuCo, at that time, was in a deficit of 12,023 tonnes or was nearly 35 per cent below its anticipated production. When the GAWU sought a disaggregation of the data, the picture became even more alarming as illustrated by the following table:-

At Albion Estate, the GAWU learnt, since the commencement of the crop, the factory has been plagued by several breakdowns. Information reached the Union indicates that nearly a week of operations, so far, has been lost to various maladies that brought the factory’s operations to a halt. We understand that the issues that popped up are not in a particular section but have appeared in many of the various areas. It is indeed regrettable that just a few weeks after the crop’s commencement such issues are appearing recognising that maintenance would have been conducted during the out-of-crop period. In one instance, a breakdown resulted after one of the wire ropes that hoists cane into the factory burst. This issue, we heard, was drawn to the Management’s attention by the workers. Astoundingly, if our information is indeed correct, senior personnel of the estate told the workers to leave the rope as it were and they would deal with the consequences later. Dishearteningly, what the workers warned happened not too long after they raised their concern.

At Blairmont we understand the factory has some defective components which are contributing to sugar losses. Again the workers, through their shop stewards, have raised their concern with the Management which apparently is hamstrung from really alleviating the issue. Again, it brings into contention what was really done during the out-of-crop maintenance period. At Blairmont too, the workers have expressed concern about the quality of canes available for harvesting. They have shared with the GAWU that cane yields were below estimates. This they lamented is one of the chief reasons for the lagging production at the estate.

At Uitvlugt, while the estate, over the last two (2) weeks, has managed to surpass its weekly production target, it still continues to experience difficulties with the factory. For the last few crops, the Uitvlugt factory has been plagued by several problems. Extensive works which are said to be executed during the out-of-crop period, it seems, are not effective and we wonder whether there is need for closer examination.

The Corporation, we believe, when confronted with the situation will almost instinctively point out that its capital programme has been hamstrung by lack of finances. But, on this score, the GAWU cannot help but wonder about the utilization of the proceeds from the $30B bond? It is, as far as we can recollect, was intended to address this matter. We understand that notwithstanding public pronouncements that the apparent rift between NICIL-SPU and GuySuCo was being healed, the reality is that the chasms persist. In fact, GuySuCo disclosed that its punt rehabilitation programme is being held up as NICIL-SPU is refusing to release funds to purchase the steel required.

It seems that the sugar industry is being conveniently, or maybe willfully, ignored by the powers-that-be. We hasten to wonder whether or not they are seeking to engineer a fait accompli in an effort to justify certain questionable measures we understand they have in mind and possible at heart. The entire situation, is far different, from what President David Granger told sugar workers during a visit to Albion Estate earlier this year. The June 08, Guyana Chronicle reported that the President told those gathered that this Government was working to ensure “…that the $30 billion syndicated bond… is transferred to GuySuCo within a short space of time so that urgent needs can be met”. On this matter, the GAWU must reiterate, that it appears there is no plan regarding the utilization of the monies though there is reference to a so-called plan by GuySuCo and Government officials.

But the President also told his audience at Albion, that “…a stronger, smarter, sustainable and more profitable sugar industry is built and workers’ jobs are safeguarded”. It is a laudable statement by the President but really lacks any substance. There is now, with urgent need, a necessity to arrest the situation. The sugar industry has all the tools to succeed. We need to properly marshall the industry’s resources, know-how and most of all its workers to ensure its success. Of course, we hasten to point out that the industry’s turnaround cannot be delinked from a motivated workforce which in this day and age is working for rates-of-pay last adjusted in 2014. We need not to allow the spectre that haunts Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales spread to other villages and people.