BSCFA to PM Briceño: “Stay Pan Track” 

In a press release, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) is telling Prime Minister John Briceño to “stay pan track.”  The BSCFA says that it is appalled by statements made recently by PM Briceño in the media regarding a court judgement.

On February 29, 2024, High Court Judge Rajiv Gooretilleke delivered a judgement on a claim filed by BSCFA and Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Associations (CSCPA) against the Attorney General of Belize, the Minister of Agriculture, the Sugar Industry Control Board, and the Controller of Supplies. Within their claim, BSI/CSCPA sought court orders to declare nine regulations unconstitutional, with the judge ultimately deeming five of these regulations null and void.

Representing BSI, Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel, questioned the purpose behind these regulations, suggesting they unfairly targeted BSI.  However, BSCFA says that the reality of the situation lies in decades of strained relations between BSI and cane farmers. BSCFA says that Smith’s assertions are misleading.

BSFCA says, “Equally appalling are the statements of the Prime Minister regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI)…The Prime Minister states that he heads the COI, that he is the one who has responsibility for the COI, and that it is his responsibility to ensure that there are proper consultations by everyone. Yet he unfairly blames Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, for not properly consulting all stakeholders on the COI. The Prime Minister conveniently disregards the fact that the record shows that both BSI and all associations were invited to be a part of the consultation process, but only two associations…”

The release ends by stating, “The BSCFA calls on the Prime Minister to “STAY PAN TRACK” and to appeal the judgement on the regulations and to establish the Commission of Inquiry forthwith, or shall the BSCFA have to remind him where is “THE TRACK”.