Agriculture C.E.O. says minister approved importer license

When we checked with the Ministry of Agriculture, C.E.O., Gabino Canto told News Five that the decision on who got the new permits, was sanctioned by his boss, the minister.

Gabino Canto, C.E.O., Ministry of Agriculture
“We had some concerns expressed by the vendors yesterday in Belmopan. And I passed on the message to the minister because what happen is that the price for potato in Chetumal right now is about one dollar fifteen cents for the wholesale so we expect the price to be about maybe with all the cost and everything for transportation and so on to about one-fifty wholesale in Belize.”

Duane Moody
“The retail price is somewhere around two-fifty. So who is the person and how is it that he was contracted? According, to reports we have received, this person knows nothing of this business—is not knowledgeable of trading and importing goods, well this kind of produce from Mexico. So how is it that this person has a license to do this?”

Gabino Canto
“Well, as far as I know, the person is a farmer; he is a bona fide farmer.”

Duane Moody
“But a seasoned importer?”

Gabino Canto
“No, no no, uh huh! I don’t think so.”

Duane Moody
“So why was it that this permit was given to this person and who is this person?”

Gabino Canto
“That one I cannot—for him getting permit, I cannot tell you because actually I’m not involved in giving out permits, it’s the C.A.O. so I am not privy to the reason why it was given to only one person.”

Duane Moody
“But sir, I also spoke with the C.A.O., which is the Chief Agricultural Officer, and he neither is knowledgeable of this. So who then gave this authorization?”

Gabino Canto
“Well, the final authorization is given by the minister.”

Canto says importers can get in touch with the Ministry this Monday for permits.