In a bold move aimed at reshaping the regional sugar industry, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has announced plans for a sugar refinery at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), signaling a significant shift in the Caribbean’s sugar trade dynamics.
During the opening ceremony of the XII Annual Consultation with Caribbean Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), President Ali affirmed Guyana’s commitment to supply the entire Caribbean with refined sugar products.
With construction underway, he declared, “By the end of 2027, we will be able to supply all the refined sugar products the region requires and imports right now.”
Private investment spurs refinery construction
President Ali revealed that a private investor is spearheading the construction of the refinery at the Enmore Sugar Estate, a strategic move following the closure of several sugar estates by the previous government.
This development not only revitalizes Guyana’s sugar sector but also positions the nation as a key player in regional sugar production.
Guyana’s food security agenda
Expanding beyond the realm of sugar, President Ali underscored Guyana’s commitment to bolstering food production and intra-CARICOM trade.
With Guyana at the helm of CARICOM’s food security and nutrition efforts, the nation is driving ambitious targets to reduce costly extra-regional food imports by 25 per cent by 2025.
A vision for self-sufficiency: Corn, Soya, and Beans
President Ali outlined Guyana’s ambitious agricultural goals, asserting that the nation is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in staple crops like corn, soya, and beans.
By the end of 2026, he anticipates not only meeting domestic demand but also exporting surplus produce to fulfill regional needs, thereby solidifying Guyana’s position as a net food exporter within CARICOM.
Echoing President Ali’s vision, IDB President Ilan Goldfajn reiterated the bank’s commitment to assisting countries in achieving their food security objectives.
