Stakeholders battle over the future of the citrus industry

Andrew Marshalleck

While there is continuing dispute within the citrus industry over control and finances between Citrus Products of Belize Limited and the Citrus Growers Association, another legal battle is being waged in the chambers of Supreme Court Justice Minnet Hafiz.  In one corner is the Government of Belize.  In the other are seven private interests including the recently formed, Belize Citrus Mutual who wish not to remain members of CGA, yet still be able to provide its subsidiary with limes and oranges.  This morning a team of lawyers representing former CGA Chairman William Bowman and several other claimants argued against the Citrus Processing and Production Act which prohibits non-CGA members from supplying CPBL with citrus. The case is being heard on the bases that the current statute violates freedom of association and by extension the right to work.   Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck details the argument.

Andrew Marshalleck, Attorney for Citrus Growers

“One, it infringes on the right to freedom to associate in that it in effect hinders the enjoyment of the freedom to decide whether or not you want to become a member of that association.  The second basis is that we say that it infringes the right to work.  That is the right to earn a living from an occupation or engage in a trade which you freely choose.”