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we are mindful of the vital role and contribution of the sugar sec-
tors to the economies of Barbados, Belize, Guyana, and Jamaica.
Survivability of these industries, after the removal of production
quotas in the EU on September 30 2017,will in no small measure
be a function of improved competitiveness, securing more remu-
nerative markets, value addition, an enabling policy regime with-
in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, and, not lastly,
practical and pragmatic diversification options.
“I say this as a technical official while being acutely aware of
the emotional associations we have with our region’s oldest
economic sector. This industry is responsible for us being here
and has colored our history from colonization, to slavery to in-
dentureship, and to independence. It is not an easy time! Now
is crunch time,” she told the gathering.
The workshop was convened by the Sugar Association of
the Caribbean and hosted at JAMPRO with the advice and
support of The Caribbean Council, the CARICOM Secretariat
and JAMPRO. It was funded by the EU, United Kingdom
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ASR Group, and the
Inter-American Development Bank. It brought together
industry leaders and policy-makers to inform and facilitate
a discussion of how the Caribbean sugar industry needs to
adapt to new market realities and the policy options that
are available to industry and regional governments.
The sessions focused on an outlook of the global sugar
market and sugar prices; the 2017 EU sugar reform and
short-term threats to the Caribbean sugar industry; access
to new markets and opportunities; increasing productivity
and competitiveness; managing the politics of transform-
ing sugar industries; and adapting to climate change.
There were also panel discussions that explored the trade
and tariff policy options that are open to Caribbean policy-
makers, as well as the policymeasures that Caribbean policy-
makers could adopt to support a viable sugar industry.
Surujbally gave the assurance of the Secretariat’s con-
tinued support to the sugar industry of CARICOM
through its active participation in the dialogue
and framing of the policy options for decision-mak-
ers.More recently, the COTED adopted definitions for
refined sugar and liquid sugar. CROSQ has also cir-
culated revised quality standards for raw and refined
sugar which will be tabled for the approval of the
Council of Trade and Economic Development
when it meets in May.
Ministers responsible for sugar met for
their sixth meeting of CARICOM stakehold-
ers in sugar a day after the policy workshop
and discussed its key outcomes. The
industry will present a position paper
to COTED with key recommendations
on sustainability and competitiveness.