Tomorrow is also the day that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture is inviting the leaders of the Citrus Growers Association to a meeting in Belmopan to discuss what a statement today calls the Ministry's quote, "vision for the future of the industry."
For the CGA that vision has to exclude the current Ministry CEO Jose Alpuche. They called for his removal today based on an email, which was circulated in February of this year - right after the election.
It comes from the advisor to the Prime Minister Allan Slusher and refers to Jose Alpuche and discusses quote, "the orderly and equitable dissolution of the CGA."
As you can imagine, this is anathema to the existing CGA so fire was abundantly burned on him today.
And past Chairman Tony Chanona also burned righteous fire on a statement issued by the government this morning.
It says, quote "The unilateral factory opening should not occur again and all parties should be properly consulted."
Chanona called it a waste of words - while Denzil Jenkins was more circumspect:..
Anthony Chanona, Former Chairman, CGA
"Mr. Jules Vasquez showed me a press release from the government of Belize. There has been too much talk, those words are meaningless. The Prime Minister, the highest office in this land, whom we have entrusted full authority to govern as majority in the House; a man who has said he is nationalistic. A man who says he wants to wheel out corruption and wants to do right and I believe him, I believe the Prime Minister and that's why I am confused because what he is saying and what he is allowing to happen is a controversy of fact."
Denzil Jenkins - Director - CPBL
"While it's a statement that his words - I would say that it is a statement words in the right direction. The minister I understand is having a meeting with us on Wednesday in Belmopan."
"What has happen - the unilateral opening of this factory which was illegally done against the citrus act. This is not against what the people in Belmopan have said, it is against the law. We are expecting that a that meeting we are going to see some bones put into those words."
Tomorrow's meeting will also discuss prices; as CPBL is expected to present to growers a first price submission for oranges on Wednesday 31st October.
Negotiations on those prices will follow on Monday 5th November with CGA at 10:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m with Belize Citrus Mutual.
From there, all parties are to meet within a month to advance the dialogue.
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