The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry announced today that he will meet with Sinaga workers in October to inform them about the future of this sugar refinery, assuring that the Regional Government is working towards a solution intended to maintain the company rather than closing it.
 
"I expect to meet with Sinaga workers during the month of October. They will be the first to know the solution that will be found for the company," said João Ponte. The government official spoke following recent reports on the eventual shutdown of the plant as a result of the end of sugar quotas in the European Union in September.
 
João Ponte stressed that it is necessary to "fully clarify" that the solution is being worked on by the Regional Government and it involves the "maintenance of Sinaga."
 
The government official reiterated that jobs are safeguarded, adding that workers need peace of mind rather than restlessness in this critical period of intense activity.
 
Currently, Sinaga has about 70 employees.
 
João Ponte also stressed that this is a "time consuming and complex" process. It has required several studies that have been conducted by the Administration Board of Sinaga in collaboration with the Government of the Azores.