The Government of Guyana has enlisted the expertise of Cuban specialists to help with the revitalization of its sugar industry, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report.
Faced with labour shortages and technical gaps exacerbated by the rapid expansion of the economy, 12 Cuban specialists have been hired to provide targeted expertise in cane production and factory engineering.
This move comes as the government intensifies its efforts to stabilize the struggling sugar sector, which has faced challenges in productivity and efficiency in recent years. The Cuban specialists are working directly within sugar estates, applying advanced methodologies in cultivation, harvesting, and mechanical optimization, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and output.
In parallel, nine Cuban engineers are assisting the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in key infrastructure projects, particularly in civil works implementation and oversight. These efforts are crucial for enhancing the sector’s resilience against flooding and water management issues, which directly affect sugar production.
The initiative forms part of Guyana’s broader strategy to address labour mismatches in critical industries. The Finance Ministry report indicates that manpower studies are being conducted to pinpoint specific sectoral needs, while training programs are ramping up to meet the growing demand for skilled labor across sectors.
The collaboration with Cuba is viewed as a critical step in ensuring the long-term viability of Guyana’s sugar industry, which has historically been a pillar of the economy. This foreign expertise, coupled with local training initiatives, is expected to provide the industry with the technical and operational skills required to return to profitability and sustainability.
