GuySuCo determined to meet 2020 sugar target

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) says it is forging ahead to meet its 2020 production goal despite the significant setbacks posed by the weather.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sasenarine Singh today said GuySuCo still hopes to surpass 90,000 tonnes of sugar this year, but with the lengthy rainfall, this might be impossible.

“GuySuCo got hit hard by this unexpected and unusual rainfall. After November 2nd it rained for about a week, it blew away that opportunity, and we basically have the best three weeks left,” Mr. Singh said at a media conference.

The CEO said the entity missed out on gaining almost $354 million from sugar production, because of the current condition of the cane fields.

“This is a serious situation because this is a large sum of money that we could have been using to invest in the sugar industry and to pursue the 2021 plan. This situation is heartrending since it affected approximately 8,800 sugar workers,” the CEO added.

Mr. Singh said between November 2 to 21, there was 394 millimetres of rain at the Albion Sugar mill, compared to a historical average of about 50 millimetres. He disclosed similar incidents occurred at Blairmont and Uitvlugt.

However, the CEO is adamant that with the help of his hard-working staff, “we are going to work towards it.” He noted that stern plans would be put in place to ensure that the Corporation is not similarly affected next year.

“GuySuCo is making a determined effort to bring regularity to its tillage operation in 2021. However, if GuySuCo does not have the right equipment in the field at the start of the first crop in February 2021, then the plan to produce 97,000 tonnes of sugar in 2021 is in clear and present danger,” he said. 

To date, the sugar company has produced some 80,674 tonnes of sugar.