7 News Belize

GOB Going Guyana?
posted (January 14, 2016)
Only two days ago, we told you how the Government of Belize gave importer Jack Charles two weeks to get his 3 containers of Guyanese Rice out of Belize, rather than having it destroyed by customs. So, then…that represents a big, official no to Guyanese rice, right? Well…that's what you might think, but tonight that "no", is looking more like a definite "maybe".

That's because the Agriculture Minister Gaspar Vega, and his CEO Jose Alpuche are in Guyana tonight, in talks with government officials for Guyana to supply rice to Belize. That's according to news reports out of Guyana where that country's Minister of Agriculture is quoted as saying "In the instance where there is a shortage, Belize will be importing rice from Guyana." End quote.

On hearing the news, Jack Charles told the press, "(it's a) Sad day in Belize History" where 4 producers with approximately 70 direct employment are (the) favorite (over) 350,000 Belizeans…" He's referring to the industrial rice producers in Belize who have sold Guyanese rice before under the cover of their own brands without informing the public.

Charles adds, quote, "I, as a individual Belizean tried (everything) in my power to fight for consumers' pocket .... I believe everybody should get together and fight for their rights to 'cheaper cost of Living'." End quote.

We tried to reach CEO Alpuche for comment, but he did not respond to our requests.

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