May 27, 2026
Bridgetown, Barbados - The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) convened its 177th Board of Directors Meeting last week to advance regional sugar sector modernization, tackle climate challenges, and celebrate foundational leadership. Key outcomes included the re-election of Mac McLachlan as Chairman, ensuring strategic continuity guidance during a pivotal era for regional agro-industry.
The Board reviewed two major strategic updates:
1. Caribbean Sugar Refinery (CSR) Project: Progress continues on the US $12.5M joint venture between Sucro and Santander. Aimed at boosting regional self-sufficiency in direct-consumption refined white sugar, the project remains on track for completion by Q3 2026.
2. Climate Resilience: Andrew Stoute, Research Director at the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station (WICSCBS), detailed ongoing work to engineer climate-resilient cane varieties designed to withstand severe drought, changing soil salinity, and erratic rainfall. To foster global collaboration, the WICSCBS will host the next International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) joint workshop on Germplasm, Breeding and Molecular Biology, themed “Developing Climate Resilient Sugarcane,” later this year, drawing an expected 80 international scientists to the region.
Production and Trade Integration
The Board finalized production statistics for the 2025–26 regional sugar crop, which exceeded 241,500 tonnes and is set to grow in future years. Directors noted this volume proves the region's capacity to meet CARICOM's domestic brown sugar requirements while progressively substituting extra-regional imports.
"These production figures highlight the power of private agricultural investment within CARICOM," said Chairman McLachlan. "However, challenges implementing the COTED-mandated Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar (MMS) underscore the urgent need for greater adherence to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and a fully integrated regional sugar market."
High-Level Engagement with the Government of Barbados
While in Barbados, Chairman McLachlan joined a Belizean delegation—led by the Hon. Marconi Leal Jr., Minister of State for Foreign Trade, with representatives of the Caribbean Sugar Refinery (CSR)—for a meeting with the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Barbados, and officials of the Government of Barbados. Discussions touched on sustainable economic growth, regional food security, expansion of intra-regional trade, the CARICOM Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar (MMS), and the potential contribution of regional refining capacity to resilient agricultural value chains.
Honouring Legacy
SAC hosted a reception honouring R. Karl James for his 25-year tenure as SAC Chairman (1998–2023). Representing the Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Ltd., SAC Director Delroy Armstrong, expressed deep gratitude to Mr. James on behalf of Jamaica and the region for his steady leadership during profound global shifts, including the transition away from European preferential trade quotas.
Reflecting on his re-election and the industry's future, Chairman McLachlan stated:
"The regional sugar industry is no longer just about harvesting raw crop for export to Europe; it is about regional food security, advanced biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing. With the support of regional heads like Prime Minister Mottley, the scientific backbone of the WICSCBS, and projects like the CSR, we are building a modern, competitive Caribbean powerhouse."
About the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC):
SAC represents sugar producers across CARICOM member states, working to ensure a sustainable future through intra-regional trade maximization, advocacy, technical collaboration, and integration within the wider regional agricultural framework.
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For further information, see our website: www.caribbean-sugar.org
Or please contact:
Mac McLachlan
Chairman, SAC
m: +44 7785 682810
Email. mac.mclachlan@asr-group.com
William A. Neal
Communications, SAC
m: +501 610 9774
Email. william.neal@asr-group.com