GuySuCo surpasses annual production target of 60,000 tonnes in 2023

– signals 28% increase from 2022 production output

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Friday stated that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has accomplished a noteworthy milestone by exceeding its yearly sugar output target of 60,000 tonnes.
The Union described this as a “remarkable achievement” for the sugar company that has faced challenges in meeting its production target for a while now.
“The production achievement in 2023 represents a noteworthy improvement of nearly 28% over the output recorded in 2022. This is a demonstration that the investments made in the industry are yielding tangible returns,” a statement from GAWU noted.
For GuySuCo and the many sugar workers, GAWU reiterated that this milestone highlights the industry’s prospects while highlighting that the potential that such progress represents was denied during the former APNU/AFC coalition Administration.
“This Administration neglected to provide the industry with the necessary capital inputs to foster improved production and productivity, which the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) perceived as an intentional effort to suffocate the industry into extinction.”
According to GAWU, it is widely known that the coalition sent some 7000 sugar workers home, causing thousands of others to lose their jobs in other sectors of the economy.
The successful attainment of the production target is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the sugar workers towards the industry, the Union added.
It said GuySuCo has been vocal about the tireless efforts exerted by the workforce, which has been instrumental in meeting the production target.
“The workers have been showing up in large numbers during this crop season, surpassing the weekly production targets week after week. This accomplishment sheds light on the crucial role of having an adequate supply of harvestable canes to encourage and motivate the workers to put in their best effort and receive a justifiable wage for their hard work.”
The statement further added, “We have accomplished several significant achievements at the bargaining table throughout the year. As we near the end of 2023, sugar workers have been able to reap the benefits of an improved incentive regime that resulted from negotiations between the Union and the Corporation. This new scheme has improved workers’ take-home pay and productivity.”
Moreover, the Union said the discussions between GAWU and GuySuCo have led to the implementation of improved measures to enhance Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).
GAWU assured that it will continue its efforts to discuss work and pay for the Field Superintendent category of employees who recently became members of the Union.

Achievements
As 2023 draws to a close, GAWU said it is necessary to take stock of its achievements during the year and look ahead to the future.
As a longstanding trade union, it posited, “Our organisation has remained committed to advancing our members’ rights and promoting their protection and respect in the workplace. We recognise that those gains were not achieved without facing various obstacles and challenges.”
It, however, said that it will remain steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a better future for the workers under its umbrella. “We take pride in our accomplishments in 2023 and are committed to implementing practical measures to achieve further gains in 2024 and beyond.”
At the national level, GAWU stated that “We are confident in our country’s bright prospects despite the challenges posed by those with their designs and motivations. We are highly impressed by the significant economic growth and development our country has experienced since 2020 and are confident that it will remain impressive well into this decade.”
“Our economy has become more diversified, and our country’s productive capacity has expanded, leading to significant expansion. We are highly optimistic about the potential of our nascent oil and gas sector, which we expect to grow even more. Numerous new and established sectors have also made impressive strides and contributed to our economic outcomes.”
The Union said, too, that it has recognised efforts aimed at advancing and consolidating our traditional economic sectors and that, overall, these developments indicate an assured and “sound future for our nation, and we are confident that the end appears bright and promising.”
It continued, “As we witness the growth of our economy, we must not overlook the social issues that are of great concern to us. We urge an adjustment of the national minimum wage, a matter raised by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali himself. We firmly believe equalising the national and public sector minimum wage should be an immediate priority.”
“We acknowledge that the well-being of individuals and communities is not solely dependent on improved pay. Other factors such as access to quality healthcare, affordable education, social protection, safe and peaceful communities, dependable infrastructure, and adequate protection with respect in the workplace are equally important. We are pleased to note that the Government is actively working towards improving these areas, and we fully support their efforts.”
Improving access to these necessities can break down barriers and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to lead a productive, safe, and fulfilling life, GAWU emphasised.
It noted, too, that “As move toward the future, it is essential to build a solid foundation to create a resilient society capable of withstanding any challenges.”
The focus of the sugar industry has now shifted towards the production estimates for the year 2024, said GAWU. However, it said there has been no official announcement by GuySuCo.
It further said that the recent second crop of 2023 benefited from favourable weather conditions, which allowed the industry to make the most of mechanical tillage and replanting.
The Union reasoned that a proper crop husbandry approach could lead to a bountiful second crop in the coming year and contribute towards higher production levels.

Border controversy
GAWU also took the opportunity to express a sense of apprehension about the conflict with Venezuela surrounding the Essequibo region, which has recently resurfaced.
“We are deeply disappointed by the actions of our former comrades and friends in Venezuela, who have long claimed to uphold good neighbourly relations. It is important to note that Venezuela, under previous leadership, had relegated the border dispute to a lesser priority, viewing it as an imperialist ploy to instigate disharmony between our nations and peoples.”
“We firmly maintain that Venezuela should adhere to the Geneva Agreement and the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General and articulate its position before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has been deemed the forum to bring finality to this issue.”
Saluting the men and women who defend Guyana’s borders, the Union said, “Their commitment to protecting us all deserves our profound respect and admiration. We also pay tribute to our fallen heroes and think of their families at this time. The Guyanese people will never forget their courage, and their efforts will continue to inspire us all. Now is the time for unity and patriotism.”