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And while the 35 cent increase in the controlled price of a 16 ounce loaf of bread was permitted - will government agree to increase the controlled price of white sugar? It's set at 75 cents per pound for white sugar, and 50 cents per pound for down sugar For months, BSI has been clamoring for an increase to deter the smuggling of Belize sugar into Guatemala and Mexico - where it fetches a much higher price.
But, Minister Mai said that is too simplistic an assessment of the price equation:
Jose Mai, Minister of. Agriculture
"What is the cost, right? And they said to us, the cost is irrelevant. We are worried about the cost in Mexico and Guatemala. Now I say to them we, me personally, the ministry, cannot base the increase of sugar based on what is sold in Guatemala or Mexico. We have to base the price of sugar - if the adjustment is made - on the cost of production today."
"I have made presentations to Cabinet with different modules, and we say we will decide how far we will Go with that. BuT we cannot just raise the price because they say, "oh I will raise the price because of Guatemala." I cannot be worried about Guatemala on this issue.I have to be worried about the cost in Belize and about the people in Belize."
"They have not given information. Apparently, they will not give us information. So we have to look at different models to see where it best fits. And then Cabinet will decide based on our presentations."
"But even so, we have to be very careful how we raise prices. It's not that we want to just raise price to raise prices. it has to be justified and it has to take into consideration the cost of living."
