MACUATA chief Ratu Aisea Katonivere has faith in the sugar industry's survival in the Northern Division.
Ratu Aisea said he had never doubted the power of the industry as a revenue earner for the friendly town of Labasa adding that it would never dwindle in its current state.
"I have often been asked the question regarding a substitution for the sugar industry," he said.
"But in my view, I do not have such a comment as I have high hopes and faith for this industry that has been the backbone of our nation for the last 130 years," he added. Currently on tour in cane belt areas of Vanua Levu, Sugar permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi reiterated the government's commitment in revitalising the industry.
"The sugar industry is here to stay and government will revitalise it at any cost," Lt-Col Vaniqi said.
"We cannot go without sugar. This is the industry that has been the major backbone of our economy for the last 130 odd years.
"We will promote sugar at any cost and will bring it back to its glorious days.
"The towns in the west and Labasa owe their existence to the sugar industry," he said.