President impressed with visit to Indian sugar factory - several delegations expected in Guyana for discussions
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2015, Source - GINA
President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, BK Group of Companies CEO Brian Tiwari and Housing Minister Irfaan Ali looking at the method used by the late Mahatma Gandhi to make his own clothes, during a tour of the Gandhi museum in Ahmedabad
President Donald Ramotar, in reporting on discussions he held with Indian sugar companies, while in India recently, and other companies that are research oriented, said these entities are very interested in Guyana.
The Head of State said several delegations are expected to visit Guyana very soon, to explore possibilities of working with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco), and what investments, with regards sugar can be made.
Speaking on one of the highlights of his recent visit to the Indian sub-continent, he described his tour to a sugar factory in Gujarat as a revealing experience. He said that the factory is managed as a cooperative, with farmers and workers vested with ownership.
According to the President, the factory produces all the needed power for its daily operations, as well as it sells its excess bagasse to other industries in its home state, including companies that manufacture paper and cardboard.
Apart from producing several kinds of sugar, this factory also deals with the crop's by-products.
He said he was informed that the factory had half of an hour’s down time over the last six months, with all tools and Information Communication Technology being employed its continuing efficiency.
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar with two students during a visit to a school for the differently able in India
President Ramotar opined that the method of ownership and other aspects of the factory’s operations are instances which can inform Guyana's situation.
President Ramotar, accompanied by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, also visited the TATA company where he was updated on the company's varied interests.
First Couple also visited a Mahatma Gandhi ashram, and the First Lady, a centre for differently- able children.
President Donald Ramotar and an official discussing the finer points of production during his tour of the Valsad sugar factory
The Guyanese Leader, early in his six-day visit, met with that country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several government officials. President Ramotar was able to secure a US$50M line of credit for the construction of the East Bank - East Coast road link, and US$8M for an ocean going ferry. Prime Minister Modi announced too that India will construct an IT centre of excellence in Guyana.
President Ramotar was bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Indian Government for his contribution to the field of public service, and his role in fostering ties between Guyana and India.
President Donald Ramotar arriving for his tour of the Valsad sugar factory, during his Indian state visit
President Donald Ramotar receives some brochures from a TATA official during a visit to the company