NYGM recently returned to Guyana, four months after our previous visit, to collect firsthand data on development initiatives and assess the state of social cohesion. Our observations revealed numerous advancements in both physical and social infrastructure across the country.
Many people have complained about rising living costs and disappointment over not receiving the “promised” $(G) 100,000 cash grant in December 2025, believing the President’s comments implied a payout before Christmas. The grant will instead be distributed early this year to adults 18 and over, with over $(G) 60 billion allocated for it.
For now, we focus on a project that will benefit region 3 (West Demerara) and Guyana as a whole.
This is about building the Wales White Sugar (WSF) factory. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, our team had the opportunity to visit the site and meet with Dr. Komal Singh, CEO of GEICO and a co-investor, who facilitated us with a guided tour. The new WSF will be located just north of the old sugar factory, remnants of which are set to be demolished soon.
Land preparation for the project is almost complete. A fertilizer blending plant is also planned simultaneously west of the WSF site, with most groundwork already finished. In total, both projects are expected to provide jobs for more than 100 workers.
According to Dr Komal, Co-Inve(US) 50 million. The WSF project is a joint venture between GEICO and the US-based SUCRO, while the fertilizer factory involves a partnership between GEICO and FERSIN, a company from the Dominican Republic. Importantly, both projects are financed privately rather than through government funding.
To support the WSF and fertilizer plant, the developers are building a wharf for unloading and loading of materials and equipment.
While there, we saw workers off-loading timber and installing sheet pilings. We were captivated by the wharf preparations, and noted that the old sugar estate terminal that runs parallel to the wharf (under construction) as well as the storage tank will be preserved as part of Guyana’s industrial heritage. Many locals also feel that the factory’s chimney should also be preserved.
To clarify, WSF will start producing 30–40 MTs of white sugar annually, with plans to increase output to 100MTs over time. In the event that GuySuCo cannot supply enough raw sugar, WSF plans to import the shortage from countries such as Brazil and Belize.
When reached for comment, a sugar industry union (GAWU) representative stated that the union supports the WSF initiative and remains committed to collaborating with GuySuCo to further increase sugar production and productivity.
Sincerely
Dr Tara Singh
Pix; Abandoned Wales sugar factory; location of white sugar factory
