There were high level meetings today in both Belize City and Orange Walk as the Prime Minister and his Deputy Prime Minister met with members of Belize's sugar industry. Representing the farmers in the discussions were the directors of the Cane Farmers Association and executives of the Belize Sugar Industry Workers Union. The objective is simple: to discuss the proposed investment from Banco Atlantida with stakeholders to avoid confusion and controversy. And what was the PM's message to the industry? To be realistic about their expectations in the negotiations and to let the lessons of past crises guide the way forward. This afternoon 7News's Jim McFadzen spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega about the latest developments.
Hon. Gaspar Vega - Deputy Prime Minister
"Politics was getting involved in this scenario, and that was primarily the purpose of the meeting this moring - to ensure to every single owner of the industry, that today, the meeting is not about UDP, PUP, or any P. It is about the sugar industry. We have to ensure that all the farmers have the same message - have al the information necessary for them to assist in making the best decision for the industry."
Jim McFadzean
"And you have spoken to them; what's the general sentiment you're getting back?"
Hon. Gaspar Vega
"After today, the sentiment that I got from the vast majority of the Directors was very positive. After today's meeting, there are certain things that the cane farmers would like to make sure - or ensure - that they get out of these negotiations, which is proper. But, I also discussed with them that we cannot over-extend our wants."
Jim McFadzean
"What are some of those expectations?"
Hon. Gaspar Vega
"Some of those expectations were like, the 65:35 that they share with BSI right now, their quota, their percentage of daily delivery, how much with the new company - if there is one - how much they would be allowed to plant - in other words, how much cane they would be allowed to deliver, stuff like that. And there were other little things that were not important, but those were some of the major concerns that they had, which I think are fair."
The consultations between the employees and cane farmers and their respective leaders will continue this week.
Email
Print