But no decision on the start of the Sugar Cane Season
Belizario Carballo
There seems to be some confusion. As you’ve heard, B.S.I. is waiting for indication from the BSCFA on what it needs to move forward, while the BSCFA is waiting for a letter from B.S.I. before it moves forward. BSCFA says that as soon as they receive the letter from BSI they will be calling a meeting with their general membership to decide the way ahead. But in the meantime the clock is ticking and much is at stake. Financial Controller for B.S.I. Belizario Carballo says that while the negotiations might not seem to be moving ahead with purpose, both sides at least agree on wanting the crop to start. And hopefully that would be soon, since time is a commodity which is in short supply.
Belizario Carballo, Financial Controller, B.S.I.
“We are sincerely hopeful that shortly after the new years that they can be some movement in the start of crop. But beyond, we feel that, beyond the initial weeks in the New Year that we start having an effective overall crop size because certainly once June comes the rains can come and then certainly going beyond that point will compromise us being able to take off the full crop. And so it will have an impact. Clearly it will be the first time in history that we would have not started the crop in either November or December; that we would have started it in January which obviously we will have to see how best the weather will permit us to make up for lost ground once the crop begins.”
Reporter
“Sir, do you consider that B.S.I. and the association are still miles apart in terms of where their positions are…both their positions?”
Belizario Carballo
“Well I hope not and I hope that this is just part of the process. Clearly both parties are seeking…the intention on both sides is to start the crop and I would expect that that intention will drive the process to a quick and effective solution. And that we are then able to start the crop.”
As we told you, our team was late back from Orange Walk, so in Tuesday’s newscast we’ll bring you a complete package of today’s meeting.
