B.S.C.F.A. Says B.S.I. Agrees to Independent Mediator a Year Later

Alfredo Ortega

During today’s press conference, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association wanted to set the record straight on whose idea it is to hire an independent mediator. The association says it first made the proposal in late 2021 when both parties were at an impasse that resulted in protest and physical confrontations.  And according to B.S.C.F.A., B.S.I. objected to the proposal at the time.  Now that B.S.I. has agreed, Ortega says it is their hope a commercial agreement is finalized by the start of the sugar crop.

Alfredo Ortega, Executive Director, B.S.C.F.A.

“On the very first instance when it was proposed by the B.S.C.F.A., it was rejected by B.S.I. completely that they are not prepared for a mediator to be in between until about two weeks ago they send in their documents that they are prepared now to have a mediator. That is where we are at this point to see where we can get the mediator to look upon so we can move forward with the negotiation.  It is our hope that it comes to fruition using the mediator because it is something that they accepted along with us. And, once we can get together to that person that will mediate for us that we will come to the point, to the goal that we are looking to reach. That point is to get benefit for our farmers.”

Paul Lopez

“With two months before the start of the season?”

Alfredo Ortega

“Well, as the Prime Minister said, if we want to negotiate in three days we should come to the end of a negotiation, if they are willing to negotiate. And, we are prepared to do so.”