Santander’s Permit Doesn’t Allow Local Sugar Sale

Jose Abelardo Mai

As we’ve reported, the scarcity of particularly white sugar just prior to the Christmas holidays forced the government to issue a permit to A.S.R/B.S.I. to import sugar into the country to meet the demands. The problem arose out of the illegal contraband trade of sugar to neighbouring countries. When we met with him today, News Five asked the Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai whether there is any consideration for the country’s other sugar producer, Santander, to supply the local market with white sugar.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“They operate under what we used to call a D.P.A – Designated Processing Zone – which was first an E.P.Z. Under that status, they are not allowed to sell sugar locally. However, I believe, and I do not know the exact clause, but if there is a need to do so, I think the government can, can – I’m not certain, but as it is right now, that status that they have does not allow them to sell local sugar on the market. The shortage of white sugar was only for the Christmas season because there was a demand, higher demand during Christmas season for cake making. We have surpassed that now, the crop has begun, sugar is being produced, and so there’s no more need for that.”