The Minister of Agriculture has responded to claims made by the Belize Livestock Producers Association. As you heard last night, they said that they were not consulted before the informal - slash - illegal cattle trade into neighboring countries was shut down.
According to Minister Godwin Hulse, this is untrue. And, while that process is shut down, other means of exporting cattle are still in effect.
Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture
"I personally engaged ministers in both countries, my colleagues in great detail, in many discussions, and we involved at every step, the BLPA. They were involved at every step, every visit, every discussion, every video conference, everything. We were able to secure a shipment of 241 animals into Mexico to SuKarne, which was landmarked and we were able to secure the first 27 animals into Guatemala which was landmarked. On the heels of that now, there's another 63 animals that were quarantined to go into Guatemala, hopefully, at the end of this week or early next week. That's from Mennonites in Spanish lookout. The Mexican shipment was 241 from the Mennonites in Blue Creek. They now have another 350 being quarantined to go into Mexico as well to SuKarne. Good news, the Guatemalans visited and said they are able to take up to 150 animals. This is one importer. 150 animals a week. Which is good news. And we now understand there is an order for 300 animals to Guatemala which are about to be quarantined to go."
The BLPA says it is planning a peaceful protest in every district to request the resumption of the livestock exports and they plan to announce a date in the near future.
