BSCFA And ASR/BSI Continues Commercial Agreement Negotiations

Andy Westby

When we caught up with Andy Westby, the Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, in San Roman Village, we asked him about the association’s ongoing negotiations with A.S.R./B.S.I. towards a signed commercial agreement. He told us that the association is hopeful that an agreement can be met by the end of July. The interim agreement that is currently in place will expire at the end of July and without a signed agreement by that time the next sugar crop would be severely affected, said Westby. The potential for another demonstration, like what the nation saw in December of 2021, is also there if the association’s membership mandates it.

Andy Westby, Chairman, BSCFA

“We have an interim agreement that carries us to the end of July. Right now, the negotiations is presently going. We hope we could have something before the end of this month, because whatever comes the next month we have to face and carry it to our membership in a special AGM to inform them where we are with this negotiation. Right now, we are ongoing and almost about to finish, but we are just depending on certain documents from government to present and help us in the negotiations and we are final.”

Paul Lopez

“So, the hope for a sign agreement is not just an empty hope. You are actually seeing progress and believe you will reach that agreement?”

Andy Westby

“We believe we should reach an agreement and it all depends on the good faith on the table and if that is there of course that could be done. But, like I said nothing could be signed on our part unless it is presented to our membership and they will give the approval for us to sign for that agreement.”

Paul Lopez

“Before the end of July?”

Andy Westby

“Well, we are looking forward to meet that time.”