Sugar Cane Farmers Express Discontent Over Ministerial Reassignment

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to remove the sugar industry portfolio from Minister Jose Abelardo Mai and place it under the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Osmond Martinez. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister John Briceño, the association expressed concerns about the influence multinational corporations may have had in this decision.

The BSCFA stated that the reassignment appeared to follow an emergency meeting between the Prime Minister and ASR Group, the multinational company that owns Belize’s only sugar mill in the north. The association questioned how ASR’s “serious concerns” about the industry translated into changes in Cabinet responsibilities.

The association further argued that the decision reflected a double standard, as government intervention in sugar industry matters has previously been criticised as political interference. They noted that when the BSCFA sought intervention in disputes over Fairtrade Premium payments, ASR officials insisted that discussions should occur directly between stakeholders without external influence.

Minister Mai, they stressed, has been a strong advocate for small cane farmers, who produce over 90% of Belize’s sugar but often struggle against the influence of multinational corporations.

The association urged the government to reconsider the decision, stressing that the future of Belize’s sugar industry should be guided by policies that support farmers rather than corporate interests.