Home Top Stories “We stand on the brink of a new chapter” – GuySuCo’s CEO...
…aims to double sugarcane yield
…as GAWU urges increased consultations on workers’ issues
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Paul Cheong has unveiled a seven-point plan for the sugar industry, announcing a bold 2025 plan aimed at doubling sugarcane yield and securing the sector’s long-term sustainability.
According to Cheong, the plan covers seven pillars and emphasises GuySuCo’s commitment to the workforce, particularly harvesters, whom he described as the “backbone of the industry.” He said, at the GuySuCo’s first award ceremony for the Top Cane Harvesters of the 2024 second crop.
Enshrined in this bold strategy is the improvement of procurement and inventory management systems as GuySuCo moves to streamline operations and bolster efficiency by ensuring that essential inputs are available precisely when needed, eliminating delays and optimising production processes.
Additionally, major focus will be placed on increasing cane planting density. GuySuCo aims to boost yields significantly, employing advanced techniques to ensure that crops receive the nutrients they need at the right time, promoting healthier and more robust cane growth and implementing timely and efficient weed control measures to protect crops and maintain optimal field conditions.
Further, to strengthen its market presence, Cheong revealed that GuySuCo plans to ramp up its marketing and distribution strategies. This includes exploring new markets, enhancing branding efforts, and ensuring that Guyanese sugar reaches a broader audience both locally and internationally.
“We will continue to focus on training and development to ensure that we have to requisite skills to undertake all the task required to grow the industry effectively. I’ll like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency, President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali and our Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha for all the support they have and are continuing to give to the industry as we strive for excellence,” Cheong said.
Moreover, the CEO explained that GuySuCo’s ambitious plan promises to bring renewed vitality to the sugar industry, signaling a brighter and more sustainable future for the sector and the country.
With these strategic measures, GuySuCo is confident in its ability to overcome challenges and build a sustainable future.
“I believe that we stand on the brink of a new chapter for GuySuCo. I am optimistic about the journey ahead and initiatives like this reminds us about the importance of team work and we can never turn around this industry unless we do it together. Teamwork is very important and vital for our success,” he added.
On the topic of teamwork, President of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine urged the management of GuySuCo to boost collaboration with the union on matters regarding sugar workers.
According to Narine, GAWU was not engaged regarding the recent GuySuCo advertisement for cane harvesters, however, the union hopes that workers will be prioritised over contractors to ensure a productive 2025.
“It is important that we turn around the industry in 2025… I want to urge that we work together in the best effort of everyone, cooperation and the workers and on that note from now we are extending a hand of friendship, we want to extend a hand of cooperation. We hope that as an important stakeholder, we could be able to engage on matters that ought to be engaged particularly as it relates to cane cutting,” Narine said.
“I hope that we could have a better year ahead and before contractors get cane cutting that the workers will be given enough work so that you can continue to maintain your productivity and continue to earn because once you reach that level you depend on that earning for your day to day living,” he added.
Award
At the commence of the 2nd crop for 2024 an incentive of $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively was introduced for the top three cane harvesters from the four grinding estates, which includes Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, Blairmont, Rose Hall and the Albion Estate.
The initiative which aims to motivate workers by fostering a shared vision of success, saw a total of twelve sugar workers, three from each estate were awarded recently for their exemplary contributions.
In his remarks to the awardees, Cheong highlighted that harvesters are the backbone of the industry, noting that their efforts drive the vision for a stronger and more sustainable future for GuySuCo.
“Today we are not just recognising productivity, we are celebrating your commitment, your resilience and rewarding your achievement in this second crop 2024. Harvesting sugar cane is not an easy task, it demands physical strength, endurance and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. You, our harvesters are the backbone of the industry and your efforts fuel not just our factories but also our vision for a stronger and more sustainable future for GuySuCo,” Cheong told the gathering. (G1)
