GAWU Remains Supportive of Measures and Actions that Would Enhance Sugar Industry

Dear Editor,

Mr. Dwarka Bahadur, a candidate for the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, used his Facebook page to express criticism of a recent engagement between President Irfaan Ali and other Government officials with a team from India on December 06, 2025. According to the December 7, 2025, Stabroek News, the meeting focused on a recent examination by Indian experts within the sugar industry. Furthermore, the public was advised that a more comprehensive report was being prepared to guide specific interventions aimed at addressing shortcomings.

From his Facebook armchair, Mr. Bahadur, among other things, sought to throw cold water on efforts to address the issues plaguing the industry.  He went on to contend that the industry was capable of addressing its challenges. It is instructive to note that the gentleman was, until last year, responsible for factory operations across the sugar industry. As we understand it, the GuySuCo Management and Board decided not to renew his contract. Although we are not familiar with the reason(s) for the decision, it is reasonable to assume that a highly performing employee would be retained. Of course, some months after his ties with the industry were severed, we saw him donning a political cap, a right he enjoys as any Guyanese, though the timing would appear coincidental.

It is also not lost on us that the industry’s factories, in particular, have been a real let-down during the ongoing second crop. From the reports we received, important and critical maintenance was not pursued, and essential components were not replaced. Based on our knowledge of factory operations, some of these tasks should have been planned as far back as a year ago or even earlier. Yet inexplicably, they, from all appearances, did not receive the attention they deserved. Is it a case of any absence of knowledge, or is there more in the mortar than the pestle can pound?

Recently, President Ali emphasised the need to improve the industry’s management. This view is endorsed by the GAWU and supported by thousands of sugar workers. The President announced that a new model with clear KPIs was being developed. We believe this is a necessary step. Furthermore, His Excellency alluded to previous bouts of mismanagement and likened it to a colleague of Mr Bahadur. It is significant to note that Mr Bahadur’s colleague was also sent packing; again, would highly competent employees not be retained?

The GAWU remains supportive of measures and actions that would enhance the industry’s performance and efficiency. Indeed, we have long highlighted its potential and noted that it has been held back for various reasons. We believe an all-hands-on-deck approach is essential, and the engagement of external resources would be critical to fostering a turnaround.

Yours truly,
Seepaul Narine
President
GAWU