Hugh Martin
WINSTON KENNEDY, a former manager of the Hampden sugar factory in Trelawny, was among the more than 150 members in attendance at the 68th annual conference of the Jamaica Association of Sugar Technologists (JAST) held in Ocho Rios, November 10-11. He was attending his 49th. This is remarkable (even if his first time was in the company of his father) because of the enormous interest and commitment to an industry and profession that it displays.
The record attendance may surprise those persons who believe that the sugar industry is finally on its way out. This belief is understandable, coming after the incredibly poor performance of the last crop and the Prime Minister's announcement to Parliament of the intention to close two of the Government's factories. And even more; the European Union's determination to reduce the price it pays for sugar by 39 per cent over a three-year period. By the industry's own admission, even the most efficient will find it difficult to survive at such a price. So, were these stakeholders in the industry gathering to bury sugar or to praise it? Did Mr. Kennedy come expecting it to be the end of the association that he once led and which had honoured him but which now would have no further relevance?
One of the characteristics of the sugar industry most admired, by those closely associated with it, is its resilience; its ability to bounce back after the greatest setback. They point constantly to the fact that after the most devastating hurricane when every other crop is wiped out you can still count on a sugar crop even if somewhat reduced. At its lowest production in more than half a century, the last crop of 124,000 tonnes sugar earned over US$68 million, more than any other export crop. And that did not include the returns from rum, one of its by-products. So while the conference wasn't a celebration it certainly wasn't lamentation. From the opening word it was one of optimism for the new buzzword, 'the sugar cane industry.'
COLLABORATION
The most significant aspect of the large attendance was its composition which signified the collaboration that was lacking in the industry in recent years. Every section was represented from farmer through worker, union representative, researcher, contractor, miller and administrator. They came to take up the challenge that was thrown out by the Prime Minister in his policy outline for the way forward. This was elaborated on by Agriculture Minister, Roger Clarke, in his opening address.
Later at the closing banquet, Finance and Planning Minister, Omar Davies, reiterated the assurance that the Government had no intention of abandoning the industry but expected it to carry out its stated intentions of diversifying into other viable products and to become efficient in all of its operations.
In the various papers presented over the two days of discussions it was clear that the technologists understand the nature of the problems facing the industry, know the possible solutions and are optimistic that all the targets required for an efficient and competitive industry can be met if the necessary resources are provided in a timely manner. They demonstrated their awareness of the need for diversification so papers were presented on the production of chemicals from bagasse and discussions held on the production of ethanol as an additive to gasolene for the local trade as well as for export and electricity to run the factories and to sell to the national grid.
PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Prime Minister's announcement of the closure of the Bernard Lodge and Long Pond sugar factories was the subject of a panel discussion and the overwhelming view was that the announcement was premature and ill-advised and could result in further reduction in cane production as farmers refuse to maintain their fields, to replant or to put in new fields because of the uncertainty created. The assurances by the ministers of Agriculture and Finance that no factories will be closed if certain targets are met within two years were well received.
The presentation by Mr. C. F. Woolery of the Sugar Industry Research Institute which demonstrated that sugar production can be viable even in the changed situation, if the required effort is made, was probably the most well received as it provided the justification for the optimism that characterised the conference.
Hugh Martin is a communication consultant and farm broadcaster who may be reached at humar@cwjamaica.com.
