Should the Citrus Processing and Production Act be amended?

The existing system requires that licenses must be obtained prior to supplying the processor.  In this case CPBL is the only processor that purchases citrus in large quantities.  Marshalleck, in his arguments, said that if and when licenses are refused growers are essentially denied of gaining a living from the industry. William Bowman of Belize Citrus Mutual says there is a clear need to update the Citrus Processing and Production Act.

William Bowman, Citrus Grower

“Without bringing the old Citrus Processing and Production Act in line with the Constitution, then we cannot produce and deliver fruits unless we‘re a member of the association.  We cannot deliver that fruit because we have to be a member of the association to be able to get a license, to be able to deliver fruit and then that infringes our constitutional right to be able to freely earn a living and our freedom of association. If we don‘t want to be a member of any association, the constitution grants us that right and that’s what we want.”

Bowman further stated that a ruling in their favor would encourage investors to participate in the citrus industry.  Madam Justice Minnet Hafiz is expected to render a decision on the matter as soon as possible. This Tuesday, the battle will be on the streets when the CGA mounts a protest in Pomona against the CPBL and the visit of representatives from Banks Holdings from Barbados.