Turning now to news from the sugar industry, Prime Minister John Briceno and his Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai yesterday met with the leadership of Belize Sugar Industry Limited, and their majority shareholder, American Sugar Refining, Inc. His administration is attempting to break the impasse in the sugar industry before the next crop season starts.
A Facebook post on the PM's page says quote, "I sat down with Belize Sugar Industries to discuss the smooth start and roll out of this year's cane season." End quote.
But, our reports suggest it was a tough meeting and a smooth start is far from being ensured. Reports tell us that ASR/BSI has indicated that it is not amenable to government's suggestion that both sides should just stick with the existing agreement for another 6 months until this cane season is finished.
But, there are also reports that a possible compromise was discussed - and that ASR/BSI has sent a proposal to the BSCFA.
The management of ASR/BSI has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow, and we'll be there to find out how close - or far - the two sides are to a resolution.
