And the Chamber of Commerce weighed in on the dispute today - saying it is gravely concerned about the economic impact of the current impasse. The business advocacy group concludes, quote, "the loss of this year's crop can have a crippling effect on Belize's economy and the lives of every Belizean."
So, who's side are they on? Well, reading between the lines, it would appear to be very much in favour of starting the crop now on BSI's terms. The release says that the parties should consider four things:
The long term viability and predictability of the industry; That farmers respect each other's constitutional right to freely associate, whether with ?BSCFA, act as independents or form other bodies; that the crop begins so that farmers can provide for their families and ?meet their other obligations; and That careful consideration is given by the parties to the economic impact of the demise of ?this industry on the entire country.
The release goes on to point to the urgent need for the industry to prepare for the loss of European Union preferential arrangements in 2017 - which has been the repeated cry of ASR/BSI.
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