Chairman of the Jamaica Association of Sugar Technologists, Phillip Henriques says despite the challenges facing the sugar industry, it remains a viable option for future development.
He says, the sugar industry is undergoing changes towards maintaining efficiency and that if this is done correctly, it will remain a significant contributor to social and economic development
Mr. Henriques made the comments while speaking with Irie FM News, following the official opening of the 81st Annual Conference of the Jamaica Association of Sugar Technologists at the Riu Resorts in Mammee Bay, St. Ann.
The sugar industry has been declining for a number of years, forcing several factories to close operations, but he says full decentralization of all imports of sugar and sweeteners can revive the industry.
He says Jamaica needs to follow the example of several countries around the world, that have taken steps to maintain their sugar industry and benefiting from these changes.