Hemp Association hails Govt’s plan to empower ex-sugar workers

Just days after Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo announced that several farmers in Skeldon are set to benefit from a hemp production initiative on land owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the Guyana Hemp Association (GHA) has commended the Government for moving in the right direction.
During his weekly press briefing, Dr Jagdeo last week emphasised that 2,000 acres of the 26,000-acre Skeldon estate will be allocated to displaced or current sugar workers, with each receiving two acres to cultivate hemp, primarily for export—including cigar production.

This initiative falls within the legal framework already established, with production restricted to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). According to the VP, the national plan for agricultural and economic diversification extends beyond hemp.
The GHA representative, Cort Gomes highlighted the Government’s progress in a recent interview with the publication.
“What I’ve noticed is that they’re moving forward with their commitment, Regions Six and 10 are being allocated land, and the land we speak of is in the Region Six area. In our association’s view, it’s a forward step in the right direction.”
He added that this move would open opportunities for disenfranchised workers.
“Some of the former sugar workers will now have a chance to return to agriculture with hemp. And if that’s the case, that’s a plus because, of course, if you take the bread out of someone’s mouth by phasing out sugar, and now you’re able to replace it with hemp, that’s enabling a family to earn again.”
Gomes highlighted that this initiative will add revenue for the country significantly.
“We’re in 2025, and the Government is pushing to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in imports by year-end. One of the things with hemp is that the manufacturing segment—value-added products—will open up a whole new income stream. If Guyana can produce at least 1,000 to 3,000 value-added hemp products, that represents a tremendous increase in economic value for the country.”
He also highlighted how this would boost employment for Guyanese.
“On the other end, job creation—my company under the Guyana hemp association is poised to employ over 3,000 people once their licences are granted. We hope to have those jobs before by the end of the year. That’s another significant plus.”
The Industrial Hemp Act, ratified by the Government in August 2022, paved the path for the legalisation of industrial hemp in Guyana and created new business and agricultural prospects for local farmers.
Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry that can lend to the production of hundreds of items. Some uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and belts.
Hemp is often confused with marijuana, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two. Both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant, which includes over 100 to 156 different strains. The two most recognised strains are hemp and marijuana. Hemp presents significant economic opportunities for Guyana, with potential benefits spanning various sectors. With around 100,000 to 150,000 potential use cases and products, hemp can be a versatile addition to Guyana’s economy.