President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to elevate sugar workers into part ownership roles within the industry, signaling a transformative approach to revitalizing Guyana’s sugar sector. The announcement was made during a public meeting in New Amsterdam, Region Six, where the president outlined his vision for empowering workers and modernizing the industry.
Under the proposed strategy, sugar workers would have the opportunity to form cooperative groups and become part-owners of their means of production. This initiative aims to provide workers with greater financial benefits, including higher salaries and increased disposable income, while fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ownership.
“When we talk about sugar, we’re looking at ways to make our workers part of the ownership mechanism,” President Ali explained. “This is about investing in machinery and equipment so that workers can improve their conditions, increase productivity, and take home more income.”
The proposal is part of a larger effort by the government to modernize GuySuCo estates through mechanization and infrastructure upgrades. Between 2020 and 2024, over $45 billion was invested in the sugar industry to replace outdated systems and improve efficiency. For 2025, an additional $13.3 billion has been allocated for field equipment acquisition, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the construction of all-weather roads.
President Ali emphasized that this strategy aligns with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the sugar sector as a vital component of Guyana’s development plans. He also noted that discussions are underway to extend similar opportunities to single parents and disadvantaged families by providing access to agri-technology for income generation.
The initiative has been met with optimism by industry stakeholders and community leaders, who view it as a step toward addressing longstanding challenges in the sector. With GuySuCo targeting over 100,000 tonnes of sugar production for 2025—a significant increase from last year’s output—the government hopes this new approach will enhance collaboration between workers and management while driving growth.
As preparations for implementation begin, President Ali reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Guyana’s sugar industry regains its former glory. By empowering workers through ownership, the government aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable model for one of the country’s most historic industries.
