| Most speakers of the Opposition’s camp seem obsessed with getting the government to accept that the PPP/C did not squander its opportunities at good governance, but rather, left behind a legacy of tremendous development.But PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP), Komal Chand used his15-minute time slot during the Budget 2015 debate yesterday to appeal to the government to save the sugar industry, as opposed to following plans to divest the sector.As he pleaded with the government, Chand also provided proposals to saving the industry which he found through his own research. This combined with the fact that he stayed clear of hurling insults at his peers on the government benches,Jerseys NFL Wholesale China Online, earned Chand an opportunity to speak with little to no interruption.In fact, he was the only member of the Opposition whose presentation was commended for its substance.Chand recalled that the Minister of Finance in his 2015 Budget address said inter alia, “The economic well being of the sugar industry is critical to the protection of jobs and growth of the economy as well as the contribution it makes to GDP, exports and foreign exchange…Whatever path the industry takes, it is vital for the sake of the national economy that it remains viable and able to compete in an increasingly competitive and volatile global market.”The PPP MP said that Guyana’s sugar industry is deeply rooted in the society, and he stressed that it continues to be one of the main pillars of the country’s economy. Chand expressed joy that this fact was supported by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech.The politician noted, however, that when the comments of other government individuals are taken into consideration, it is not only in stark contrast to Jordan’s statements, but paints the future of the industry with the brush of uncertainty.He was at the time referring to comments made by the Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Dr. Clive Thomas, who had said that given the current state of the Skeldon Sugar estate, it should be sold or used for other purposes.Dr. Thomas is also one of the Commissioners on the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo.Chand said that while he is not sure at this point whether the Commission will deliver realistic proposals that will make the industry once again buoyant, the comments of Dr. Thomas are far from reviving a feeling of confidence.The veteran trade unionist then provided the House with some aspects of the sugar industry’s history which show how attempts to disrupt or divest the sector in any way have had harmful effects on the lives of hundreds of sugar workers.He stressed that regardless of the challenges facing the sector, sugar has proven that once it is supported, it can make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy.In this regard, Chand said that the budgetary allocation of $12B for the industry should be promptly released to the ailing corporation to assist to cover and defray its expenditures.He added, “I should point out that the unions in the industry as well as my colleagues on this side of the House do not agree with the divestment of the industry, fully or partially. It may even be not economically sound in today’s circumstances. Challenging as the situation is, I believe the industry can be turned around.”On this note, Chand said that the industry has great potential which needs to be pursued diligently.The PPP MP said, “Co-generation is one such potential. In India, Brazil and several other countries, electricity generation is the main earner for many sugar factories. Such investments make sense as they provide electricity at a reasonable cost while being a renewable source of energy—a real contribution not only to the green economy, but also to a green Guyana—very much in keeping with the theme of this year’s budget.”Chand said that with the seemingly unwise abortion of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project, the sugar industry’s wasteful bagasse can play a major role in supplementing the nation’s energy production.Importantly, he emphasized that the $200M Skeldon facility is testimony of the value of co-generation and welcomed efforts for this factory to be returned as a corporation asset.The Parliamentarian added, “I believe that the industry, too, should also increase its output of direct consumption sugar for sale in the local, regional and Diaspora markets. The Corporation has the possibility to have no less than 45,000 tonnes of value added sugar available at this time for sale from its Blairmont and Enmore packaging plants annually. The price for this type of sugar in those markets is by far greater than the price for our raw sugar sold in the EU market.”Chand concluded that there really are ways and means of saving the industry, and he pleaded once more for the government to not be shortsighted and go for unsound solutions and/or support downsizing the sugar industry. |
