Tonight, tensions are high as stakeholders in the sugar cane industry await the results of the mediation between ASR/BSI and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. They met three times last week, and again today for the final time. And up to this afternoon, even the Minister of Agriculture was unsure how the meeting was going. The mediation sessions have been confidential, but it has been weighing heavily on the mind of Jose Mai, who told us that he has been praying for an amicable solution, because the fate of the sugar industry depends on it:
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"I will begin with this - yesterday and today, before daybreak, I asked God for guidance in this matter. I think that we're at a crossroads, I think the mediation is very important to the outcome, today is the last session of the mediation, it's going to determine the shape of the sugar industry and so I am very concerned about it, there are 5,000 farmers and their families and I think that today's outcome is going to be very important for the future of the industry. I'm hoping that today, that they will arrive at a consensus and it will be fair and equitable to both parties. I'm still awaiting the results, the proceedings from the last processions have been kept confidential, no party has been able to release anything, but today that will end and after it ends then that will be made public. The BSCFA bylaws is very clear, they cannot make a decision on their own, whatever is their outcome today, they have to go back to their membership and report to them and the membership will decide the way forward."
Reporter
"Devil's advocate, if an agreement is not reached, what can Belize expect, what can we expect?"
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"The worst case scenario could be going back to the status quo which is my view is not good for the farmers, I think that they should have earned some ground, but I don't know that is the case yet. But again, I'm still optimistic about it."
And while ASR/BSI is ready to start this year's cane crop on Monday, Mai says it's up to the sugar board to fix the date of commencement.
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"BSI has announced its preparedness for the 19th, however, the date to opening the crop is set by the sugar board. The sugar board term expired one day ago. This morning, I have appointed a new board, that board is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening and that date will be set. By law, it is the sugar board that sets the date for the commencement of the crop, BSI could announce their readiness to start on the 19th, but the board makes the announcement by law."
Courtney Menzies
"Are anticipating that things might actually as bad as it got last year with that blockade and everything?"
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"Hoping and praying that that's not the case."
We'll let you know the outcome of the mediation session as soon as we know.
