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Noel Arscott, MP for Clarendon South Western and Clifton Grant, First-Vice President of the UAWU
RJR News understands that talks are taking place regarding the indefinite closure of the Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon.
A meeting is reportedly underway with stakeholders.
In January, it was revealed that Complant, the parent company of Pan Caribbean Sugar Company, was in negotiations with another Chinese firm for the sale of Monymusk.
The factory reportedly racked up $6 billion in losses since it was purchased from the Government, along with the Bernard Lodge and Frome estates in 2009.
Noel Arscott, Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Western, said notice was given of the closure of Monymusk to take effect on Friday.
"They've had a period of uncertainty since the start of the crop. The Chinese who own the factory say they require 2,000 tons or more per day to run an efficient operation, and to date they have not been able to get beyond maybe 1,000 tons of cane," Mr. Arscott explained on RJR's talkshow programme, Hotline, on Friday.
Meanwhile, one of the unions representing workers at Monymusk is hoping that Pan Caribbean will find a way to keep the factory open for the next crop season.
Clifton Grant, First-Vice President of the University and Allied Workers Union, said the closure of the factory will create hardship for the almost 200 workers as well as the surrounding communities and the economy.
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