From today's Sosua News:
Last Thursday, February 9 in Montellano hundreds of people went to the streets dancing, singing and honking to celebrate the reopening of the sugarcane plant.
It is now seven years since the sugarcane plant, after the debacle with the Baninter bank, was declared bankrupt. The proceeds of the sugar harvest managed by the bank were lost for many obscure causes, and the management of the sugarcane plant was unable to pay the salaries, electricity bills etc. The population of the town of Montellano, located near the airport, is entirely dependent on income from the sugar factory. After the closure of the plant poverty hit the village. Almost the entire labor force was without work and income. Also many small businesses as barbers, grocers, bars, clubs, furniture stores and hardware stores were forced to close down and lay off staff.
The formerly bustling town with lots of entertainment in the weekends, seemed to die in silence. During these seven years several potential buyers for the sugarcane plant came by. But every time they were shocked when they heard that with the purchase of the plant, they also had to pay off the debts of many millions of pesos. But now the American investment company 'Biofuel Consortium Sugar & Quisqueya' announced they want to rent the sugarcane plant. The story goes they pay $ 10 million for a lease period of 30 years. Friday, February 10, the lease contract between the Central Bank and the Biofuel company has been signed. But much remains to be done before the plant is back in full operation. But when it is operational, at least 3000 people will find a job at the plant.
Saturday, February 25, in the gym (El Club Recreativo) there will be festivities in honor of the reopening of the sugar factory and all residents of Montellano are invited.
Last Thursday, February 9 in Montellano hundreds of people went to the streets dancing, singing and honking to celebrate the reopening of the sugarcane plant.
It is now seven years since the sugarcane plant, after the debacle with the Baninter bank, was declared bankrupt. The proceeds of the sugar harvest managed by the bank were lost for many obscure causes, and the management of the sugarcane plant was unable to pay the salaries, electricity bills etc. The population of the town of Montellano, located near the airport, is entirely dependent on income from the sugar factory. After the closure of the plant poverty hit the village. Almost the entire labor force was without work and income. Also many small businesses as barbers, grocers, bars, clubs, furniture stores and hardware stores were forced to close down and lay off staff.
The formerly bustling town with lots of entertainment in the weekends, seemed to die in silence. During these seven years several potential buyers for the sugarcane plant came by. But every time they were shocked when they heard that with the purchase of the plant, they also had to pay off the debts of many millions of pesos. But now the American investment company 'Biofuel Consortium Sugar & Quisqueya' announced they want to rent the sugarcane plant. The story goes they pay $ 10 million for a lease period of 30 years. Friday, February 10, the lease contract between the Central Bank and the Biofuel company has been signed. But much remains to be done before the plant is back in full operation. But when it is operational, at least 3000 people will find a job at the plant.
Saturday, February 25, in the gym (El Club Recreativo) there will be festivities in honor of the reopening of the sugar factory and all residents of Montellano are invited.
