High Court Showdown Ends; Sugar Industry Awaits Big Ruling

A major legal showdown between ASR/BSI and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association wrapped up at the High Court on Friday and the stakes couldn’t be higher. At the center of the case? A fiery dispute over a five-day factory blockade back in December 2021. B.S.I. says the association went too far by blocking deliveries to the factory, claiming the move caused serious disruptions, not just to their operations, but also to Belcogen’s. Now, they’re seeking millions in damages. Over three days, the High Court judge heard arguments from all sides: B.S.I.’s legal team, the cane farmers’ attorneys, and even the Government of Belize. With arguments now closed, the sugar industry is holding its breath, waiting for a ruling that could reshape farmer-factory relations for years to come. And this morning, Agriculture Minister Jose Mai weighed in, sharing his thoughts on what’s at stake.

 

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“I think that the industry needs energy focused in the right direction. So going to court fighting over, quarreling over things that probably do not bring any positive changes to the industry has to change. We cannot continue like that. We cannot continue operating divided. We cannot continue operating when there’s total, complete lack of confidence from both stakeholders, the farmers and the miller. And so, I think that some serious reflection needs to be done on how we can move the industry forward.”