Low quality of sugar allegedly produced from spoilage

Uitvlugt flying knives incident

Ahead of the start of this week’s investigation into the recent flying knives incident at Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, West Coast Demerara, the impact of the cane shredder breaking has reportedly extended to a substandard quality of produce. On August 11, 2018, workers fled for their lives when the cane shredder became uncontrollable and 64 of 70 knives became airborne. The machine was down for over a week and $18 million worth of reaped cane was said to be spoiling. However, several tonnes were salvaged after the estate’s turbine had to be replaced with one from the defunct La Bonne Intention (LBI) factory.
Guyana Times learnt that of the cane that was salvaged, 110 tonnes was produced last week. However, according to information obtained, the grains were “grainy” as opposed to coarse crystals which are consistent with a higher quality of produce.
While the two-week investigation will garner answers into what led to the breakdown; the preliminary assessment is that the recent mishap caused the reduction in the quality of sugar produced.
“They get sugar but it’s not in the right form,” a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) employee related.
From Tuesday, GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Deodat Sukhoo will head an investigation into the incident. On the day in question, workers at the Uitvlugt factory ran for cover after 64 out of 70 knives became dislodged and were flying through the air.
There were initial inquiries by senior officers of GuySuCo who visited the Uitvlugt factory when it broke down and millions’ worth of cane was left to spoil. This newspaper reported that the Chief Industrial Relations Manager will be making periodic visits to the factory, where he will meet the workers involved and obtain their version of events and how it unfolded when the Number Two turbine lost control. His report could outline possible sanctions if “negligence” is determined. The damage to the cane shredder resulted in millions of losses, at the expense of the State.
The knives, weighing approximately 20 lbs each and made out of carbon steel, came flying out of the knife shaft. Two Sundays ago, it was stated that over 300 tonnes of sugar canes in punts were seen waiting to be processed and that some of the canes began to smell. It was reported also 10 parts from the turbine were destroyed.
Guyana Times reported too that management at Uitvlugt attempted to salvage the situation by opting to produce molasses which is a key ingredient in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.