By Saskia Warrick
February 6, 2025
The private contractor overseeing operations at the Demerara Gold Packaging Plant in Blairmont has withdrawn its services from Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) following ongoing protests by workers over wage issues.
This was confirmed by GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Cheong.
The contractor had been managing the facility since January 1, 2024, after securing the contract through public tender.
However, the dispute arose when sixteen female workers at the plant went on strike, demanding a wage increase, as they claimed their pay was below the national minimum wage.
The contractor, while asserting that wage rates were set by GuySuCo, was clarified by Cheong, who explained that the corporation paid the sums outlined in the bid, leaving the contractor to determine the specific wages of the workers.
The contractor formally notified GuySuCo of their decision to terminate services in a letter sent on Wednesday.
Despite the contractor’s withdrawal, Cheong assured that operations at the Blairmont Packaging Plant would continue without disruption.
The plant, which was established in 2004, plays a key role in GuySuCo’s efforts to refine and package Demerara Gold sugar for both local and international markets.