Marketing Committee will examine cross border sugar trade

A marketing committee has been appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture to tackle the cross border sugar trade that has been causing a shortage in local stores. According to a release, the committee includes representatives from the ministry, B.S.I. and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. The task is to work along with the Bureau of Standards and the relevant authorities to ensure a steady supply of plantation white and brown sugar to consumers. Controls will be implemented at B.S.I., giving businesses and industrial users priority in the purchase of sugar. The committee will also analyze the sales records and patterns to determine whether re-distribution is required and if any distributor, wholesaler or retailer cannot account for the distribution of its quota, supply will be halted. The Customs Department is also being brought in to help identify and penalize persons who are engaged in the illegal exports to Mexico and Guatemala. Anyone with information on persons involved in the cross border trade is asked to make a report, using the consumer protection hotline, which promises anonymity. That number is 0-800-283-5587.