U.S. says banana quarrel is with Europe, not Belize

No doubt reacting to sharp criticism from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and an uncharacteristically harsh denunciation by the usually pro U.S. Reporter newspaper, the U.S. Embassy today issued a release defending its position on the banana controversy. Caribbean producers, including Belize, have increased the tempo of their attacks on U.S. policy, which has been perceived as favoring U.S. multinationals like Chiquita and Dole over the interests of its close neighbors in the Caribbean. The main problem is the European Union’s insistence on helping its former colonies in the region with favorable marketing arrangements in Europe. The U.S. says that such favors violate the letter and spirit of international agreements administered by the World Trade Organization and has threatened sanctions against the E.U. if it continues to disrespect W.T.O. rulings. The thrust of today’s release is that however America’s quarrel with Europe may turn out, Uncle Sam has no beef with Belize and is committed to helping this country expand its economic prospects. However reassuring those words may sound, opinion in the banana belt, strongly echoed in Belmopan, is that words do not provide much of a meal… and if the U.S. has its way, it will mean empty belly for Belize.