Sugar Cane Farmers and P.U.P. Northern Caucus Meet to Discuss A.S.R./B.S.I. Impasse

Jose Abelardo Mai

On Wednesday, the People’s United Party’s Northern Caucus met with the B.S.C.F.A. in Orange Walk to hear presentations from the executive of the association. Prime Minister John Briceño and Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai are both members of the P.U.P.’s Northern Caucus. In the meeting, Prime Minister John Briceño reportedly told farmers that the Government of Belize will intervene if a new Commercial Agreement is finalized in October. Over the phone, Minister Mai informed us that he is in support of some of the propositions being made B.S.C.F.A.

On the Phone: Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, Orange Walk South

“The B.S.C.F.A. has always requested that they meet the Northern Caucus of the P.U.P. to present their position, to update us on ongoing negotiations meeting with B.S.I. So, that meeting was held yesterday and it was well attended by the Northern Caucus of the P.U.P. All the constituencies were present including San Pedro, Belize Rural South. It will be resolved because it has been ongoing for a very long time and we cannot continue to go that way. We are running in circles like dogs chasing its tail. So, the Prime Minister yesterday said that we must end the negotiations in a given time, in October. That is what we will do. It will have to end. It cannot continue being tracked on, and on, on. I believe there is room for negotiation. I believe the company can give in to certain demands of the farmers. The Northern Caucus though, after viewing the presentations done by the B.S.C.F.A. is convinced that the request begin made, the sixty forty request on the gross is something that can be done. And, they support the B.S.C.F.A. in that request.”