B.S.I. Says They Pay Fair Price for Bagasse

Shawn Chavarria

Perhaps the longest standing product of contention is the baggase, or the waste of the sugar cane, used to make energy. BELCOGEN, the plant that generates the bio-energy from bagasse, has reportedly generated revenues to the sum of one hundred and forty-five million dollars. Sugar cane farmers at B.S.C.F.A., having seen these figures, are demanding more for baggase than what they currently receive. But, A.S.R/B.S.I. argues that they already pay farmers for the sugar cane delivered.

Shawn Chavarria, Director of Finance, A.S.R./B.S.I.

“They have not taken into account the expenses that are required and the investments to keep the BELCOGEN power plant running. And, that is why we still have accumulated losses. They are just looking at one aspect as opposed to looking at the whole.”

Mac McLachlan

Mac McLachlan, VP International Relations, A.S.R./B.S.I.

“I mean we pay for the sugar cane, we pay for the sugar cane. And, the reason BELCOGEN was built in the first place was to get rid of baggase, which was a dangerous waste product because it can be quite flammable. And at the time there was discussions between B.S.I. and B.S.C.F.A. about sharing the cost of disposing the baggase and B.S.C.F.A. was not interested at the time. So, that major investment was made in a cogeneration electricity plant, which of course provides fifteen percent of the power for Belize.”