Bumper sugar crop for 2004
-324,940 tonnes second highest since 1990
Stabroek News
January 1, 2005
The Guyana Sugar Corpora-tion closed its production for last year with 324,940 tonnes of sugar, the second highest production since 1990.
According to a release from the corporation's communications unit, the total is the accumulation of 97,500 tonnes of sugar in the first crop and 277,440 in the second one, which has just concluded. Guysuco had set a target of a little over 300,000 tonnes of sugar for last year.
The release said all locations contributed commendably to the production drive, adding that outstanding achievements of some locations led to records being set. Blairmont achieved 49,329 tonnes or 113.7% of its production target of 43,382. And Enmore with 36,056 tonnes or 103.2% of its target of 34,932 set the pace of production last year.
Skeldon chipped in with good performances making 97.1% of its target with a production of 36,460 tonnes. At the East Berbice Estate, Albion produced 65,962 tonnes and its sister Rose Hall produced 45,307 tonnes.
Production in Demerara of 127,883 tonnes accounted for 39% of the overall production. A breakdown of the estates showed Uitvlugt raking in 31,626 tonnes, Wales 29,434, La Bonne Intention 30,767 and Enmore 36,056.
Guysuco's Chief Executive, Michael Boast applauded the workers' commitment and perseverance in the face of challenges that buffeted the sugar industry in the past year. He also hoped for a continuation in the coming year.
According to Guysuco, this year's good production was attributed to the improved industrial relations climate throughout the industry, better agricultural practices and greater emphasis on timeliness of operations. The corporation is aiming for an equally good crop next year and has already set an overall target of 337,000 of sugar.