Mai Says He has to Represent All Interests Even Though He too is a Cane Farmer

But, can the Minister of Agriculture act a neutral party in negotiations? Minister Mai is both a sugar cane farmer and a member of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. We asked if he is able to separate those roles to advocate for the greater good or if this is a conflict of interest.

Abelardo Mai

Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“It is a very delicate balancing act, and to begin with someone ask me a question, well how can you accept what ASR is doing when you are affected personally? But I don’t represent only the cane farmers in this matter. I have to look at the bigger picture. I represent the sugar industry and that includes everybody, Santander, cane farmers in Cayo, Orange Walk. So, it is a delicate matter. I have tried to, many times you get emotional, especially when you are in the industry for the last thirty years then you look at the industry not progressing. Everybody around you planting sugar cane is getting wealthier. You as a cane farmer in Belize is getting poorer. Obviously, it makes anybody emotional, doesn’t matter if you are Minister or not. We have to look at the bigger picture. We have to look at long term solutions.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you feel that they are more emboldened to stand on their position because they have you as a member, the Minister of Agriculture?”

Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“I don’t know that that is the case. I don’t know. That is something that you will probably have to ask the leaders of the association. But, I don’t know that that is the case. I think they understand my view, my position. They understand that I am one of them but I am also the Minister of Agriculture.”