Dear Editor,
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) refers to Mr Eric Phillips’s letter: “All voices of reason must step forward on GuySuCo”, which appeared in the May 29, 2017 issue of Stabroek News.
We must admit that we agree with Mr Phillips when he says GuySuCo and the sugar industry requires a win-win situation. In such circumstances, we see the industry/company being viable and sustainable, while at the same time the full complement of estates remain operable, and the masses who toil in the fields and factory being fairly rewarded and treated for their efforts and labours — for their motivation and productivity.
It is against such a background that our Union, and moreso the thousands of people linked to the sugar industry, cannot be supportive of the current plans being advocated. Through those plans, thousands and thousands stand to be gravely affected and pushed closer to impoverishment, or simply become poverty-stricken. In view of the obvious hardships that would greet the people, their resistance and opposition are natural, and should not be unexpected. Any sane, rational being would react in the same manner.
Moreover, we believe this is not a situation that Mr Phillips and all right-thinking Guyanese would want for our people.
Mr Phillps also points to the Government’s support to the sugar industry. We posit, however, that the contemporary support cannot be disconnected from the support — financial and otherwise — that the industry in the past and present has and is contributing to Guyana and its people. So far, there has not been any mention of those contributions in the discussions on sugar.
Nevertheless, our Union accepts that the Government cannot support the sugar industry ad infinitum. We also must once again express our concern that, despite the substantial investment into sugar over the last two (2) years, the industry seems to be floundering and there seems to be no plausible explanation for the current state of affairs.
But in recognition of the Government’s financial constraints, we have advanced to the Administration our suggestions, which we hold will see the industry returning to a viable and sustainable footing, though we note State-support would be required for a period. Indeed, such support cannot be deemed unaffordable; and furthermore, the boost to the industry promotes a diversified and more resilient economy, which is in the interest of our people.
In our sincere view, this is a win-win situation, and we believe Mr Phillps is referring to it.
Yours faithfully,
Seepaul Narine
General Secretary,
Guyana Agricultural
and General Workers
Union (GAWU)
