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Very strong words, and while the government hasn't made any comment on the state of affairs in the sugar industry, the opposition was quick to weigh in – with a position very sympathetic to the Cane Farmers Association.

They say the BSI-ASR proposal would reduce farmers to cane cutters. They add that a future PUP Government would enforce the principle that quote, "sugar cane is unequivocally owned by the cane farmer."

Today in a press briefing at his private office, party leader Francis Fonseca elaborated on this:…

Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition

"We certainly do not believe that the position that has been taken by BSI - ASR in their latest public pronouncements at their press conference, serves the best interest of the industry. We certainly do not support any effort to undermine or by pass the roll of the BSCFA. That does not serve the interest of the industry at all. We've had a long and successful tradition and history in the sugar industry of a tripartite relationship. Government, BSI, now BSI - ASR and the BSCFA representing the cane farmers. That has obviously had problem time to time but by and large had worked and served the interest of the industry. That tripartite approach has to be protected. The problem today is, the government of Belize, who is an integral part of that partnership is missing in action. The farmers themselves have been calling for the sugar industry control board to get engaged in this process, they have been missing in action. The minister of agriculture, Mr. Vega has been missing in action. His deputy, Hugo Patt who sits on the sugar industry control board is also missing in action. I think that is really the crooks of the problem as it stands today. We need a government that is engaged, we need a government that will lead on this issue, that will bring all the parties to the table and work endlessly, everyday to solve this serious problem."

It's worth noting that Fonseca and American Sugar Refineries have had their differences – most notably when Fonseca said he would consider nationalizing the industry. ASR has tried to walk him back from those comments – but we note that the commercial agreement they are proposing to farmers is for 7 years, which would almost exactly span the remaining term of this government and the next.