Dr Christopher Tufton, agriculture minister, told The Gleaner on Monday that both parties' lawyers are currently reviewing the details of the documentation that will seal the deal of five state-owned factories.

Three-day discussion

Sergio Thompson-Flores, head of Infinity Bio-Energy Limited, was engaged in a three-day discussion with members of the negotiating team and the Sugar Industry Implementation Team. Prime Minister Bruce Golding was also part of the discussions.

Tufton said the Government was hopeful that the signing would happen before the new crop season in January.

"Both sides are meeting and engaging in discussion to hammer out the details. Once both sets of lawyers have concluded, then we can go ahead and sign," said the minister.

Based on preliminary discussions with Infinity, Tufton said the Government anticipates that many sugar workers, who would be made redundant, would be re-employed by the Brazilian entity.

"Essentially, the people currently employed will have to assist when Infinity Bio-Energy rolls out," he said.

Redundancy payment

Golding announced Sunday night during a nationwide broadcast that sugar workers would on Friday be receiving their $800-million redundancy payment.

The redundancy package should have been wrapped up on September 30, but days before the deadline, the Government announced a 90-day extension for the conclusion of the deal.

Some 7,000 sugar workers directly employed to five state-owned factories will be affected by the divestment of assets to the investor.