Godwin to Exporters: Don’t Bypass New Quarantine Facility

Godwin Hulse

On Monday while in the North, Minister of Agriculture Senator Godwin Hulse opened Belize’s mandatory quarantine treatment facility at the northern border in Santa Elena, Corozal District. It is part of the Ministry’s plans along with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to crack down on quarantine regulations and keep all produce exported from Belize to Mexico free of bugs and diseases. The Mexicans have built a similar facility on their side of the border. In this clip from the Government Press Office, Hulse addresses the importance of the facility and the necessity of keeping importers and exporters honest on quarantine procedures.

Senator Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture

“The bugs that would travel from Mexico into Belize, and the bugs that would travel from Belize into Mexico – we had to cooperate at the same time, so that we could catch them going and coming. And so it is very important that a quarantine facility be established to ensure the safety and health of our plants, our animals, and of course, which leads to the safety and health of our peoples. The Ministry of Agriculture has set about a very clear and definitive program for its growth, and it is headed by the concept of plant and animal health and safety. And so BAHA is ranking at the top of our push to expand our agricultural development.  I must sound a message and a warning – it is both an encouragement and a warning, to those who would circumvent this area and the facilities we have here; those persons who insist in trading on what we call contraband. First of all, it is damaging to our national development, to our economy and our progress, if you introduce, because of a small gain, if you introduce some debilitating disease in our system, simply because you looked at a small gain, and tried to circumvent the proper requirements of passage and quarantine. The gain will be short lived, because we will step up the vigilance. As persons as late as this week have found out, who tried to bring some bulls, and circumvent the area, B.A.H.A. is going to fine you, and fine you heavily. And the Customs is going to fine you, and fine you heavily, and the product will be confiscated, if you do not follow the requirements of quarantine.”

Hulse says no Cabinet Ministers will be available to call for those who run afoul of the regulations.