The cane stays

SIA rejects farmers' request to process outside Long Pond

BY HORACE HINES Observer West staff reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, December 15, 2011

CLARKS TOWN, Trelawny — THE Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) has flatly rejected a request from Trelawny farmers to have their cane processed outside the Long Pond Sugar Factory where operators Everglades Farms Limited are currently doing renovations.

"I can say categorically that based on the timetable that has been set out, there is no need for anyone in the area to be concerned about the factory's capacity to process their cane on time and, therefore, there is no need for the regulatory body (SIA) to consider giving permission for cane to go elsewhere," said SIA executive chairman, Ambassador Derrick Heaven said.

His assurance came during a press conference at Long Pond, following a tour of the plant on Tuesday.

The SIA head was accompanied on the tour by the president of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers' Association, Allan Rickards; the Hussey family — operators of Everglades Farms Limited — and staff members.

Heaven explained that Tuesday's visit to the factory, which is being upgraded to the tune of just under $1 billion, was prompted by "some agitation from the farmers that cane be allowed to go to other factories".

But following his first-hand view of the plant, he said there was no justification for the move.

"I am now satisfied, having been here for myself, that this factory will have the capacity to take off everybody's cane within the desired time frame," Heaven said.

He added that he was impressed by the level of improvement the factory has undergone since it was taken over by Everglades Farms Limited two years ago.

Rickards, too, had high praise for the new operators.

"It should be clear to all those who can observe that the commitment is not only to be found in the amount that has already been expended in practically rebuilding this factory. It sends a clear signal that these people (Everglades) are serious and that there is a future for cane farming and cane growing in this area," Rickards said.

Outram Hussey, director of Everglades Farms Limited, attested to this, noting that the projected efficiency levels of the factory, when operational, would guarantee that farmers get maximum benefits and returns on their cane.

"We are looking forward to rebuilding the communities, the assets, rebuilding of our cane-farming base, and creating an economic future that is sustainable," he said.

According to consulting engineer at Long Pond, James Dawkins, steam trials are expected to commence at the factory by January 15 next year, while milling operations are to begin shortly thereafter. He added that the crop, which is expected to last for 11 weeks, is projected to process approximately 8,000 tonnes of sugar.

Meanwhile, Heaven argued that the improvements at Long Pond helped to vindicate the privatisation of the five sugar factories and six estates formerly owned by the Government.

"This justifies the need for the divestment. The former owners were unable for one reason or the other to do all that has been done. Without all of this being done, it would mean that everything would cease," he said.

In July 2009, the Duckenfield Factory and Estate in St Thomas was sold and leased to the Seprod Group. In the same month, a similar arrangement was made with Everglades Farms Limited, which bought and leased the Government-owned sugar assets at the Long Pond and Hampden factories and estates.

On July 30, 2010, Government signed agreements for the sale of the factories and lease of cane-growing lands at the Frome, Monymusk and Bernard Lodge properties with COMPLANT International Sugar Industry Company Limited out of China.

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The cane stays