And according to the minister, the cane farmers and workers he employs were already getting their $5 minimum wage before it came into effect on January 1st. He says that those who toil all day in the fields are deserving of that increase because of how difficult the work is. And while other agriculture industries have complained, he believes it's fair for the workers to be getting the $5 an hour, and that the companies may find it works better for them.
Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"The cane farmers in the north have been paying $5 minimum wage long time ago. I had been doing that, I employ people. We have been above that for many years, because those who work the fields will tell you how hard field work is and to pay somebody cheap, less than $5 per hour mis, I believe unfair, unjust to people, especially when the cost of living has gone up so much."
Reporter
"In the south its completely different, because those people do suffer, taken advantage of. Have there been complaints from the growers and so?"
Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"I think I have heard concerns from the banana growers, not from all of them, from some of the banana growers I think that their concern was that their business would be affected, because of the increase in minimum wage. Nevertheless, I think that it allows the managers of farms of be more efficient. I mean if you are paying your worker hard days earn salary then you will ensure that he performs. I pay my workers well, but I need performance too, I need output and so it makes you a little bit more efficient in terms of maximizing the person and I think thats what they have to do and I think they will fall in, they will make adjustments. I think $5 is a justified wage for anybody in Belize at this time."
