B.S.C.F.A. Calls on PM to Exercise Legislative Authority

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association also addressed Prime Minister John Briceño’s response to the High Court’s decision on the Sugar Export/Import Regulations. As we reported, A.S.R./B.S.I. challenged the regulations in court, and it was ruled unconstitutional. When the press asked the PM about the decision, he said that it was expected. His comments did not sit well with the association, because the legislation was one of the measures that the government sought to implement to remedy B.S.C.F.A.’s concerns over Fairtrade premium payments. Javier Keme, the Chairman of B.S.C.F.A.’s Finance Committee, says the Government of Belize has the authority to appeal the ruling.

 

Javier Keme, Chairman, B.S.C.F.A. Finance Committee

“When he was questioned about the outcome of the regulations his choice of words was in a very insulting tone to the farmers that he was expecting that outcome and that is wrong from a leader to ascertain that. Why, because that means you are promoted as the leader of the government and you gave your authorization to go through something, a procedure that you already have perceived is to fail. That is wrong from a leader to make such a statement. Now coming to the ruling, the judge has all the authority to make certain comments of the ruling. He has all the authority to do such. But that doesn’t mean as a leader I will say I can’t do anything; the government can’t do anything. That is another wrong statement he has done. Why, government have two options in any ruling? In this case, five went against, four went in favor of the regulation. One option is to appeal. The statement he made to that question is that it is going to cost Belizeans thousands of dollars, taxpayers money. That is his response. When in other areas he has used taxpayers’ money recklessness. The second option is to accept the ruling of this judge, but as a legislator, change it and amend it and bring back the section that will not affect the constitutional right of such an entity.”