The Enmore Sugar Estate Land Deal That Betrayed Sugar Workers

Dear Editor,

In a time when Guyana’s sugar workers continue to battle economic hardship, it is both painful and enraging to learn that 150 acres of prime GuySuCo land at Enmore Estate were allegedly handed over to a foreign businessman from Suriname — Sarjoo, now deceased — for a mere 300 million Guyana dollars. Yet, to this day, GuySuCo has not seen a cent of that money

This is not just a matter of financial mismanagement — it is a clear betrayal of the very people who have kept the sugar industry alive through sweat and sacrifice. At a time when lands should be used to uplift communities and empower local workers, why were these acres not distributed to the sugar workers themselves?

According to reports, 100 acres of this land were to be used for cattle rearing and 50 acres for a modern bakery. Lofty plans on paper, perhaps, but with no visible results on the ground, one is left to wonder whether this deal was ever in the interest of development, or just another case of political favouritism. Meanwhile, the people who dedicated their lives to working these very lands are left struggling to make ends meet, hoping for wage increases and a sliver of recognition.

Our sugar workers have the knowledge, experience, and determination to transform these lands. With proper guidance and support from any government, these same lands could be used to cultivate food crops, bolster food security, and stimulate local economies. Why was this opportunity taken from them and handed to a single businessman — and a foreign one at that?

The PPP government owes the people answers. Why was the land not offered to local cooperatives? Why is GUYSUCO still unpaid? And most importantly, why are our sugar workers always last in line when it comes to opportunity and progress?

Guyana cannot move forward if the wealth of the land is handed over behind closed doors while the backbone of the nation — our workers — remain in chains of poverty. The Enmore deal must be investigated, and the future of these lands must reflect the will and benefit of the people, not just the privileged few.

Justice for our sugar workers is long overdue. Their struggle must not continue in silence while GAWU is sleeping comfortable with the PPP Government.

Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown