After yesterday’s deadly civil unrest in which a cane farmer
was killed by police and at least 12 were injured, 5 of them by gunshot, there
was calm in Orange Walk today. But things are not back to normal: particularly
at the sugar cane factory because tonight the sugar cane farmers are still on
strike. The decision to continue the indefinite strike that is now on its 8th
day was made this morning at the People’s Stadium. Here’s the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This morning the message at the People’s Stadium was the same. But you
can say it was louder because the over 1,500 farmers with hardened resolve voted
unanimously to reject BSI and government’s offer to suspend use of the
core sampler for this year.
Carlos Magana,
“The proposal of the PM, which he communicated to myself and then
to the media, was rejected and it was reaffirmed that the request for it to
be totally removed and to remove Mr. Nemencio Acosta as Chairman.”
And until those demands are met, Magana says the farmers will remain on strike.
Carlos Magana,
“The strike is still in effect and it is going to be as long as it 
is needed.”
Keith Swift,
It has been eight days. Will they stick it out to the end?
Carlos Magana,
“Yes and that is what they reaffirmed this morning, that they will
not deliver sugar cane until the request is being met. And as their CEO, I need
to negotiate on that. As I mentioned, I can’t just stay with my hands
crossed. I need to negotiate on that.”
Keith Swift,
It seems to me that new demands continue to be made; every time as one thing
is agreed to, they want two things and then they want three things. Is that
an accurate assessment of what’s happening?
Carlos Magana,
“No, no. That demand was already there. There were nine points that
were presented. From the moment of the strike nine points were presented and
it is just an issue that has to do with the confirmation of certain points.
In other words they still hold us to the nine points. But the one for Nemencio,
that is not a new one. That is one that has been there for long.”
Keith Swift,
How realistic or necessary is it to tear down the entire core sampling unit?
Carlos Magana,
“I should that that is the only method for quality.”
And until it is no longer the method for testing quality in Belize, these farmers
are resolved to remain on strike.
Magana says he will continue dialogue with government and BSI. The
BSI Factory was not milling sugar today.
Email
Print