Dear Editor,
My interest was piqued when I read the local media about GuySuCo procuring Game tractors in favour of John Deere tractors. In all my years with the sugar industry, I do not recall any Game tractor being utilised, and I decided to ask my friends who are in GuySuCo about this machine, as I have been away for some time.
I have learnt that Albion Estate, maybe about a year ago, for the first time ever, got two of these tractors. My friends told me these tractors have hardly worked, and are right now parked in the compound of Albion Estate.
They said they find it puzzling that some team, which to their best knowledge had no idea of the conditions within GuySuCo, was asked to assess the Game and John Deere tractors, and they deemed the Game to be superior. They added that no GuySuCo personnel was invited to the examination, yet, inexplicably, they shared with me that, all of a sudden, Game is the chosen supplier.
They said the company which manufactures Game tractors has said it was formerly known as Cameco. I did some research, and found that Cameco was acquired, ironically, by John Deere in 1997. A simple Google search can confirm this.
Additionally, my Google search led me to Game’s website, and I saw the company marketing itself as staffed by former Cameco personnel. I have no reason to doubt them, but, Editor, I recall that Cameco tractors had performed inefficiently in GuySuCo.
I remember, too, that Booker-Tate, when they came, had in their wisdom discarded the Cameco tractors in favour of John Deere and New Holland tractors. Certainly, if the Cameco tractors were as good as GuySuCo now claims, why did Booker-Tate, with all their expertise, not retain them? Obviously, there has to be rhyme to the reason.
Editor, GuySuCo needs all the help it can get, yet it continues to ignore personnel who have considerable experience and knowledge. I pray for GuySuCo, and I now know why GAWU has said the management needs a shakeup.
Yours faithfully,
Surendra Drepaul