While it supports the idea of reforming the sugar sector, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was never in agreement with the government’s execution of same which resulted in over 7000 labourers being placed on the breadline.
Exposing the party’s position on this issue for the first time was WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds. During an interview with Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram on his show called, Plain Talk, the political activist said that the WPA was always in favour of something radical being done about the sugar industry especially as it relates to reducing the exorbitant subsidies government has been granting the sector historically. Dr. Hinds said there was also agreement on the need to reform the industry since the cost of production was just too high.
“However, we were disappointed with the execution of the reform which has led to the hardship of some sugar workers…I think the government has to take some responsibility for that,” the columnist expressed.
Asked to suggest a solution to address the plight of the thousands of jobless labourers, Dr. Hinds said that this would be better answered by the party. He reminded, however, that the WPA’s co-leader, Professor Clive Thomas during his time as Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had produced a diversification plan for the sector which did not recommend the closure of any estate.
“And that is what I am saying, the government dropped the ball on how to handle sugar,” Dr. Hinds added.
Further to this, Dr. Hinds said that the government has not only done a poor job in addressing the conditions facing the sugar workers but also the issue of a living wage for the public service workers, most of whom are traditional supporters of the coalition. Overall, Dr. Hinds said that the APNU+AFC has turned out like all the other governments of the post-colonial era, in that, it has failed to be transformational.
