Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 04, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
Sometimes I wonder why is it that persons in Guyana place so much emphasis on issues that don’t really concern them, and spend less time in their own development and wellbeing.
When a Government is elected, then it’s their prescribed duty to make certain policies and decisions, and govern in such a way that will be beneficial to the people of that nation. Sometimes, I wonder if the people of this land really understand the meaning and know the functions of an elected government.
It’s something that I want to use this column to clear. The recent importation of sugar seems to be the hot topic around town; and as a concerned citizen, I took time off to investigate this matter.
What I found out, based on statistical evidence provided by GuySuCo, it was very evident that the drop in production at most estates was due to the fact that the heavy rains, along with mechanical and manual operations, caused the development. The problem is that, based on some contractual arrangement between GuySuCo and their buyer of sugar, GuySuCo is forced to ship the sugar. Making a decision to import sugar based on the situation – that they are grounded – I think is a wise move.
This will allow our country to retain its markets. This is what we as Guyanese should think about, and not be there only to criticise decisions without making proper analyses of the situation.
Much of this problem is directly related to the current climatic conditions we are facing. In the sugar industry, there is something called ‘opportunity days,’ the total amount of days that actually work can be done in the areas of land preparation.
This is of utmost important since production heavily relies on those opportunity days. Over a period of 4-5 years, the corporation has lost over 60 of those days, based on findings.
In 2003/04, there used to be around 120 opportunity days, when now they are only having 50-60. How, then, can the industry survive?
I have heard the Minister of Agriculture saying that GuySuCo will have to run on a 24-hr field operation so as to utilize these days; I truly believe that this practice should be implemented. This is one of the few ways of dealing with this current climatic situation.
I therefore urge all Guyanese to spend some time to understand the real scenario, and to make good judgment when it comes to situations like these. I am quite sure that this is just a short-term decision, and will be more beneficial than harmful.
Tej Singh
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]