There is perhaps an unprecedented level of turmoil in the sugar industry tonight. The issues delaying the start of crop are complicated, but we’ll keep it simple. On Sunday cane-farmers voted to reject the signing of an agreement with ASR/B.S.I. Instead, they instructed the B.S.C.F.A. to seek the intervention of the SICB to force the factory to open its gates and accept cane. Failing that, the Association is to apply itself to seeking an Order of Mandamus from the court to order the SICB to do so. Now long story short – following a press conference called by the Prime Minister, certain things are clear – one – the SICB will not act…two – the government will wash its hands of the B.S.C.F.A….and three, there will now be a government-encouraged move by farmers to commence dealing with ASR/B.S.I. outside the auspices of the B.S.C.F.A. Today’s presentation by the Prime Minister was lengthy, but we’ve tried to keep it in context for clarity in what has become a very complex situation. We start first with ASR’s position on the decision taken by farmers on Sunday.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“I had a meeting yesterday with ASR and they made their position crystal clear. They will not open their factory doors and start a crop unless the agreement that was reached is signed, either by the Committee of Management of the B.S.C.F.A. or by a sufficient number of branches and individual farmers of the B.S.C.F.A. such as would guarantee a minimum delivery of five hundred thousand tons of cane. And I repeat that after the most careful examination of the Sugar Industry Act and the legal and factual circumstances, it is Government’s unalterable conclusion that it is impossible…impossible, to compel B.S.I. to accept cane deliveries and mill and market cane against its will. Any such attempt would not just be illegal, but would, as was made clear to me, cause the manufacturer to immediately shutter their factory permanently and leave Belize.”
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