Dpm Says Government’S Hand Was Forced By B.s.c.f.a.

Gaspar Vega

As justification, Prime Minister Barrow indicated that it was essential that the bill be pushed through all stages because of the new associations in play, and the complexities involved in ensuring that all operate on a level playing field. And so, notwithstanding the protest by the opposition, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega introduced those amendments. He says government’s hand was forced by those within the B.S.C.F.A. who directed farmers not to sign the commercial agreement with ASR/B.S.I.

Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister

“It was that decision Mr. Speaker…that decision not to sign the commercial agreement that has brought us to this honourable House today to amend the Sugar Industry Act to ensure conformity with the consent order issued by the Supreme Court of Belize. Mister Speaker, for obvious, this is not a decision that this administration has taken lightly. Even during this current crisis, as the Prime Minister outlined at his January eighth press conference, he would only move to amend the act if there were clear signs of other groups or associations forming. I too, Mister Speaker, am deeply committed to the success and prosperity of the sugar industry and like all right thinking Belizeans want the crop to start. Mister Speaker…I want to be crystal clear on the scope and extent of the amendments being made here today, the amendments before this Honourable House are limited to the obligations of the consent order of the Supreme Court and only that. It now allows for multiple associations to be established and recognized under the amendment act. Three seats are provided for cane farmers associations to be appointed to the Sugar Industry Control Boar and other regulatory bodies of the industry. This will provide fair representation for farmers—representational balance is preserved as the manufacturers also have an additional members. All regulations of the regulatory bodies are being amended to ensure equity of representation for the associations and those that choose not to be associated.”