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And today the media asked the Minister of Agriculture if it is something they would consider. He says that he believes the government can allow it, but added that a main part of the shortage was the Christmas season, when there was a lot of cake making. He explained that since the crop has started, there won't be the need to give the green light to Santander.
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"They operate under what we used to call a DPA, Designated Processing Zone which was first an EPZ. Under that status, they are not allowed to sell sugar locally. However, I believe, as I do not know the exact clause, if there is a need to do so, I think the government can, I'm not certain, but as it is right now, we have not allowed them to sell local sugar on the market."
Reporter:
"So how is the Ministry dealing with the shortage aside from ASR/BSI being given the permit to import?"
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"We calculated along with BSI what is the consumption. As a matter of fact, the shortage of white sugar is only for the Christmas season because there was a higher demand during the Christmas season for cake making. We have surpassed that now, the crop has begun, sugar is being produced so there is no more need for that."
Reporter:
"Do you think the government is doing enough to keep local sugar in Belize and if not, can you guys do more?"
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"I think there is some deficiency with, there is some weakness in the policy. When you have sugar being sold at 75 cents maximum and in Guatemala, it is $2.50 a pound, obviously there will be contraband it doesn't matter what we do, the sugar will be leaked out, we have porous borders. When you have the price of sugar in Mexico being three times the price in Belize, you ask the question, how are farmers able to produce and sell sugar at 75 cents a pounds? It's ridiculous. The farmers and the industry are subsidizing the rest of the consumer population, which i believe is unfair so at some point we have to start thinking how do we correct it, and I believe the way we correct it, we must make adjustment to the price now. As to how much and when is another matter."
