The Determining Factor in the Eleventh-Hour Sugar Solution

The commercial agreement has been signed between the two parties that were at odds in the sugar belt and the rest is history, or is it? The determining factors at that eleventh hour agreement continued to be terminal charges and throughput fees. But even though the documents have been signed for the two-year agreement, an analysis is being done to determine the legitimacy of those fees and charges. News Five asked the Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai to explain those details.

Jose Abelardo Mai

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“There were a number of factors. One of them is the analysis and evaluation of current or new charges, which the farmers referred to as new charges: terminal handling, throughput fees. These were the sticking points because those were not on the previous agreement. So the farmers were saying, well, we don’t want that in the agreement, right, because it was not on their last agreement. And what compounded the situation was that I think B.S.I has said to the farmers that these costs have a zero value. So the farmers were saying why you put in new costs if there is zero value? So the farmers said they were reluctant to accept that. Finally, both the attorneys who represent the parties met, and at, I think it was like 10 p.m., 11, the agreement was finally agreed upon and signed. So, it took a lot of work, a lot of sleepless nights.”

Marion Ali

“So at the end of the day, who gave in or was it a compromise between both? Who was the one that had to bend?”

Jose Abelardo Mai

“Both, both had to give in. Both parties had to give in something. That’s, that’s negotiations. You don’t get everything on one side; you don’t give up everything.

Hugh O’Brien was appointed to do an analysis and evaluation, if you want to call it analysis and evaluation to determine if these costs are, one, real, and two, if the cost that they are charging is what it is. And so Hugh will do the study in one – we gave him three months, but he will do it before that, I’m certain. And so, if that cost is legitimate is one and two, if the figures, the zeros are accurate. So he will do that for us. Whenever Mr O’Brien finishes his study and it is real then they have to implement it, right? And so I don’t want to jump the gun, I don’t want to reach to that, but we will – when we get to that bridge we will cross it but there is something in place for that.”

Marion Ali

So you don’t foresee any problems thereafter?

Jose Abelardo Mai

“No, at least for this matter, no.”