Ramsammy Accuses APNU+AFC of Renewed Attacks on Sugar Industry

Warns sugar workers against “recycled promises” ahead of 2025 elections

Former Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has accused the APNU+AFC coalition of reviving what he describes as “disgraceful” attacks on Guyana’s sugar industry ahead of the 2025 general and regional elections.

In a statement issued this week, Ramsammy took aim at recent remarks by PNC Leader Aubrey Norton and former AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan, calling them a “veiled attempt” to justify the full closure of the industry—an agenda he says began during the coalition’s 2015–2020 term.

He warned sugar workers not to be misled by what he termed “wordsmithing,” particularly language around “right-sizing” and “reassigning assets,” which he claims are euphemisms for estate closures and job cuts.

Closure and Job Losses

Ramsammy recalled that ahead of the 2015 elections, the APNU+AFC promised not to close any sugar estates and pledged a 20% salary increase for sugar workers. However, once in government, the coalition closed four estates, terminated the employment of over 7,000 workers, and delayed severance payments.

He further stated that the coalition left the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) burdened with a $30 billion loan and stripped it of key assets, many of which were transferred to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). He also highlighted that wages for sugar workers were frozen, echoing what he said was a similar pattern under the PNC administration in the 1980s.

According to Ramsammy, the opposition also blocked support for GUYSUCO during the PPP/C’s previous term in office between 2012 and 2015, when the coalition held a one-seat parliamentary majority.

Criticism of Opposition Statements

Ramsammy described as “dishonest” recent assurances from Norton that no sugar workers would be fired under a future APNU+AFC government. He questioned how such promises could be credible given the coalition’s previous actions.

He also criticized Ramjattan’s description of GUYSUCO as a “blackhole,” saying it signaled continued opposition to the sugar industry and exposed what he views as the AFC’s intent to dismantle the sector.

PPP’s Record on Sugar

Ramsammy defended the current administration’s track record, pointing to the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate in 2024 and the restart of cultivation at Skeldon, where over 1,000 acres of sugarcane are now under production. While the Wales Estate has not been reopened, due to the demolition of its factory and removal of assets under the previous government, the site is now being repurposed for the gas-to-energy project.

He maintained that the PPP/C has kept its commitment to reviving the industry where feasible and reinvesting in its future.

As the political campaign season intensifies, Ramsammy urged sugar workers and the broader electorate to examine the records of both parties and decide based on past actions, not campaign rhetoric.

“The PPP has a comprehensive vision — to keep sugar alive, support diversification, and protect the livelihoods of workers,” Ramsammy said. “The opposition’s record speaks for itself — closure, no matter how they phrase