Agriculture Ministry to lease Skeldon Estate to Private sector Association

The Agriculture Ministry says private sector bodies are now expressing interest in the management of the sugar industry.

Members of the East Berbice Development Association today (April 07, 2017), met and had a dialogue with Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder of which a number of issues were discussed including the “freeing up” of the industry to the private sector, the Ministry said.

The meeting which was held in the boardroom of the Ministry’s Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Office, saw the team perusing ways in which the Association as a collective body can lease the factory and land at the Skeldon Estate.

According to Mr. David Subnauth, a representative of the Association, for the estate to become once again profitable it must be managed by locals who he believes has the ‘know-it-all’ to ensure its returns once again to its glory days.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder requested that the group submit a proposal so that further discussion can commence.The Association committed to having such delivered within a month time, but made a request for Government to have legislations implemented which will allow for the private players to make a contribution to the industry without hindrance.