U.D.P. Supports B.S.C.F.A.’s Call for Commission of Inquiry into Finances of A.S.R./B.S.I.

Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow marched in solidarity with members of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association during a protest in Belmopan on Tuesday. He was there with Deputy Party Leader Hugo Patt, who is also a sugarcane farmer in the north. Today, we caught up with Barrow in Belize City where we asked him about the motive behind the U.D.P.’s support for the cañeros and their call for the government to launch a commission of inquiry into the finances of A.S.R./B.S.I. Here is what he told us.

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I believe they are calling for a commission of inquiry. In the same way there was a commission of inquiry for the deputy party leader and other people I would think this would be a good use of the government resources so that we can come to the numbers. My understanding is if that there is this commission of inquiry and the numbers are reflective of what BSI has been saying, then the cane farmers, my understanding would hold to that. But right now the problem is that they don’t believe the number that is being reported. The support for the caneros is Belizean patriotism, Belizean nationalism in the sense that our farmers work so hard, sacrifice so much and so if they can get a better deal, I feel incumbent to champion that. So, while we appreciate our partners, whether foreign or domestic, I will always side with the laborers. So, it is important that the leader of the opposition understand the plight of those that make up the engine of our economic activities. So, it is not to be against anyone, but to just be in favor of Belizeans getting a better deal, better agreement, which would lead to a better quality of life.”