the Fiji Sugar Corporation mill in Labasa closed this year’s crushing season on a high note after crushing 675,759 tonnes of cane, the highest within Fiji.

General Manager Karia Christopher revealed this to staff members at the celebration of the closing of this year’s crushing season at the mill, yesterday.

According to Mr Christopher, the total sugar crushed this year from all mills is 180 012 tonnes.

He applauded the Fiji Sugar Corporation employees in the North for a job well done.

“There is always support and improvement needed to the employee every day, the teamwork and effort shown by the workers had been the secret ingredient to our success,” he  said.

He added that economic development is booming in the North and is due in part to the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

“We are growing, there is more traffic than ever before and Damodar is soon to open in Labasa.

“That is a sign that economic development is happening in the North.

“Change is happening in the North and is because of the Sugar mill,” he said.

Mr Christopher said a challenge faced by the management during this year’s crushing season was human resources.

“During this crushing season there was a lot of turbulence.

“One of the challenges we faced was human power, there was cane but not a lot of people to cut sugar cane.

“With the help of the Corrections Service they helped us to solve our problem and they have been helping us past years ago.

“He added that the mill is aiming to produce one million tonnes of cane.

“For those of you who have a land lying down idle, plant sugar cane and help the mill reach its target next year,” he added.

Tui Nadogo Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali said the chiefs in Vanua Levu will continue to support the organisation as it is the backbone of the North.

“We the chiefs here in Caumatalevu will continue to support the sugar corporation as most people are relying on this for employment and to put food on top of their table every morning,” said Tui Nadoga Raty Ilisaniti Malodali.

Labasa Mill is the last to close.