The production of 'Demerara Gold' is a clear indication that the company is looking ahead with renewed vigour to the challenges of the world market, and at the same time making sure that cane sugar is not easily replaced.

The manufacture of `Colony White' and `Yellow Crystal', two of the better types of sugar produced in the colonial days here, has long been stopped and they have been replaced by a sort of refined brown sugar which is currently used for export and the local market.

Older Guyanese and those who used to work in the sugar industry in colonial times would recall that 'Colony White' and `Yellow Crystal' were the two brands produced in the then British Guiana for export to England, while the dirty, dark brown crystals were left for the people here.

The post-independence period has brought numerous changes and innovations to the sugar industry, from meaningful participation to complete nationalisation of the industry, a move by the former PNC Government that saw the sad closure of several estates.

There have been other changes in the sugar industry since then - production figures have been improving year after year, the country was able to meet its obligations on the international market, workers have been getting more incentives and the factories that have been kept in operation have all been properly oiled and made production oriented.

A modern state of the art sugar factory is in the making at Skeldon in Berbice.

When this factory is completed, it is expected to produce more and better quality sugar at a lower cost.

The newest brand name `Demerara Gold', which itself suggests top quality, is due to be launched today.

The product is being manufactured and packaged exclusively at Blairmont Sugar Estate in West Berbice.

'Demerara Gold' will be distributed in packets of 1, 2 and 5 kilograms, as well as in sachets of 5 grammes.

Initially some 25 tonnes will be released on the market and it is anticipated that by the end of the current crop, some 130 tonnes will be packaged.

This is indeed commendable and signals more hope for the sugar industry, as already Trinidad, Barbados, Suriname and The Bahamas have indicated their interest in the commodity.

We recognise that with every bit of innovation in local industries, the entire Guyanese population stands to gain and sugar is taking the lead.