the Government of Guyana is examining plans to strategically reimagine the mandate of the Corporation to become a hub of rural development, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said. Addressing a mammoth gathering at the 77th commemoration of the Enmore Martyrs last Monday, President Ali said the arable lands, infrastructure and knowledge base of GuySuCo could support the production of other crops like rice, corn and cassava, diversifying production to boost income.

“Let no one dare tell you that sugar is a relic; that it is dead, that it is a burden, because they would not only be wrong, but they would also be dangerously mistaken. “Sugar is still vital, especially to the rural community. It directly and indirectly supports about one fifth of our population. Each estate serves as a hub of economic and social life in its regions,” President Ali said. The sugar industry provides jobs not just for harvesters, also but for welders, mechanics, clerks, drivers, technicians and engineers.

“For every job created directly by GuySuCo, several others are supported indirectly from market vendors, the transportation operators, to small shops in cane-growing communities. “Sugar ensures the circulation of money in rural communities, money that pays for transportation for children to get to and from school, buys groceries, supports households and keeps businesses alive. It sustains families, many of whom have been part of this industry for generations,” President Ali added.

He noted that GuySuCo’s mandate should now be reimagined to become a hub of rural economic development. “Its land, infrastructure and knowledge base can support all crops, like rice, corn, cassava, livestock operations, agro-processing hubs, farmer training and extension services, fabrication and engineering services,” the Head of State said.

Dr. Ali believes there are exciting opportunities for crop diversification, skills diversification, and income diversification. “Make no mistake, GuySuCo possesses the best machinists globally. The global machining industry historically recruited machinists and fabricators from GuySuCo. We have to leverage this human capital and human potential. (Guyana Chronicle)