While Guyana continues to experience rapid growth and development as a result of the oil and gas sector, the current administration is working to ensure that traditional sectors do not fall behind. Over the weekend, President Irfaan Ali announced that 5,000 hectares of land will be rehabilitated for the purpose of sugar production in Skeldon, East Berbice-Corentyne.
Guyana’s sugar industry played a vital role in the country’s development from the period of slavery to post colonization. Moreover, “by the mid- 20th century Guyana was one of the world’s largest sugar-producing countries.” However, the sugar industry began to decline over time owing to a variety of circumstances
President Dr Ali at the opening of Republic Bank’s newest branch at Williamsburg East Berbice Corentyne spoke about his administration’s integrated strategy to economic development, which uses revenue from the booming oil and gas sector to modernize the traditional sectors, making them more competitive, with the goal of attaining sustainable development.
The President noted that plans were formed to reintegrate 5,000 hectares of land at Skeldon into sugar production, mechanize these areas, and purchase new heavy machinery such as cranes to aid in planting.
The president emphasized the value of human resources in the industry and announced plans to properly prepare them for work in this field after it has been modernized.