The National Assembly on Monday heard that the new chairman of the board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) resides in the US and travels monthly to discharge his duties.

The highly-indebted Guysuco has been struggling to pay its workers some incentives because of low production due to bad weather and industrial unrests. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union has, however, blamed GuySuCo's financial misfortunes on poor management.

This was revealed by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in response to questions from APNU parliamentarian Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

When asked who had replaced the last chairman, Dr. Nanda Gopaul who is now the Minister of Labour, Dr. Ramsammy identified Dr. Rajendra Singh who had been serving on the board as a member. He added that Dr. Singh resides in New Jersey when further questioned by Dr. Roopnaraine.

“The chairman visits Guyana once per month; in addition the chairman is in daily contact with the minister and the management.”

The APNU’s Volda Lawrence queried whether they had exhausted the list of possible Guyana-based candidates for the job and whether the people would have to foot the bill for his travels.

“I’m sure Mr. Speaker that there are many competent persons who could serve as board members or as chair; Dr. Rajendra Singh has been serving on the board for several years,” the minister said, adding that GuySuCo funds economy class tickets for his trips to and from the US.

He added that they are other costs associated with the chairman’s visits such as that connected to his lodging.