Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Government is pointing to procedural business matters as the cause for the postponement of the sugar factory divestment deal, which had been scheduled for completion yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, in addressing the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers' Association's (AIJCFA) 62nd annual general meeting, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston yesterday, said that with various stakeholders involved, all could not sign by the initial date, September 30.

"These are not simple negotiations, not simple discussions. It involves a number of agencies, services and ministries," said Tufton, noting that the agreement allows for an extension of up to 90 days if necessary.

"But we hope to conclude before that," he added.

A heads of agreement was signed between the Government and Infinity Bio Energy Limited on June 27, while a formal handover of assets to the new company was set for September 30.

Privatisation

The privatisation of the Sugar Company of Jamaica includes five factories: Frome, Monymusk, Bernard Lodge, Long Pond and Duckenfield. The Government will have a 25 per cent stake in the entity.

The minister said both parties were still very committed to the handover of the assets and the privatisation would be continued in good faith.

Tufton asked sugar workers and stakeholders, who might be inconvenienced by the postponement of the divestment, to exercise patience and understand the processes that are involved.

Hundreds of workers employed to Frome and Bernard Lodge factories, in Westmoreland and St Catherine, respectively, protested after it was revealed that they would not be paid redundancy money that would have coincided with the conclusion of the divestment.

Allan Rickards, chairman of AIJCFA, said sugar workers are expressing doubt that the divestment will be fulfilled.

"We are worried about it (divestment postponement) as we don't want unrest, we don't want misinformation, we don't want people to think we are not getting it (redundancy money). The cheques are cut already," said Rickards.

Some $2.7 billion in redundancy money is to be paid out to about 7,000 sugar workers currently employed by the five public factories.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com