The outlook for this sector is very promising and bodes well for our balance of trade. In contrast, output in the sugar sector has been very disappointing. Sugar production has been declining over a number of years. The deterioration in both cane and sugar production has been attributed to frequent mill problems which have restrained cane harvests and affected mill efficiency.
Unfortunately, the mill upgrade over the past three years has not been able to produce the desired results and has only added to the debt burden of the Government. However, the outlook for this critical industry is positive pending the implementation of a range of reforms to bring the industry back to its glory days.