Former GuySuCo CEO defends Ali’s Skeldon strategy, slams claims of neglect
Former Chief Executive of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh, has come out in defence of President Irfaan Ali’s recent statements on sugar and diversification, calling suggestions that the Head of State is “moving away from sugar” misleading and unfair.
In a letter responding to a September 19 Kaieteur News article, Singh said President Ali has been clear that “sugar is here to stay,” pointing to the G$7B investment to reopen Rose Hall Estate, which created over 1,400 jobs.
Singh, who led GuySuCo from September 2020 to December 2023, argued that introducing citrus and other crops at Skeldon should not be seen as abandonment of sugar, but as part of a broader diversification strategy to keep the industry viable.
“Revitalization does not imply that all land must remain in sugar cane; rather, it seeks to optimize productivity and profitability,” he wrote.
According to Singh, diversification at Skeldon is designed to “cross-subsidize” sugar by boosting returns through complementary crops like citrus, coffee, and cocoa, alongside value-added industries such as juice plants. He said this approach strengthens food security and creates new opportunities for farmers.
Singh also highlighted progress made during his tenure, including work with Brazilian experts and the late soil scientist Dr. Udho Homenauth, which helped modernize planting and harvesting practices. He noted that mechanically plantable and harvestable acreage increased from 18% in 2021 to 40% in 2023, describing it as “unprecedented progress compared to the previous 20 years.”
Further partnerships, including with Brazil’s EMBRAPA, have supported sustainable production of corn, soya, and stockfeed on converted lands, Singh said. These initiatives, he argued, show that the Government’s agricultural strategy is about building resilience and profitability, not winding down sugar.
In closing, Singh dismissed claims that the President’s approach at Skeldon was a “smoke screen,” insisting instead that it reflects “foresight, pragmatism, and commitment to sustainable agricultural development.”
