Prime Minister says that the reason that government did not move to amend the Act as instructed by the Supreme Court in 2010 is because it wanted to preserve the B.S.C.F.A. But because of the developments in the industry, G.O.B.’s hand has to some extent been forced, and it must contemplate the formation of another, or other, associations other than the B.S.C.F.A. And to demonstrate that such an option does indeed exist, the PM points to a letter sent to him by the head of Group A of the San Estevan Branch, responsible for seventy thousand tons of cane. That director, Arturo Hernandez, is making the bold claim that he has organized a group which can deliver over five hundred thousand tons of cane to ASR/B.S.I. immediately. The PM read Hernandez’s letter this morning.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“Presently the B.S.C.F.A. is the only recognized bargaining body which can negotiate the delivery of sugar cane. However, a good number of directors and cane farmers are of the opinion that the B.S.C.F.A., which as you may know has lost its credibility with Fairtrade, is comprised of a small group of individuals who are manipulating the situation for their own benefit. I, he says, have met with a group of directors from other branches and together we have summed up over five hundred thousand tons of sugar cane that can be delivered right away so as to get this industry back on its feet.”
Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister
“B.S.I. has said that if there is enough farmers that can accumulate five hundred thousand tons of cane they would be willing to mill for this season, and it’s clear that there are enough branches and individual farmers to make up more than the five hundred thousand tons of sugar cane.”
Reporter
“Mr. Deputy Prime Minister I believe Group A of San Estevan is Hernandez? Is he a relative of yours?”
Gaspar Vega
“He is my nephew.”
Reporter
“Is that why he might be inclined to send a letter of support?”
Gaspar Vega
“Actually, probably that did help, but I must tell you that like all those other farmers, he is one who has huge commitments with the bank and his kids, and that is why he is taking that position.”
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