Tonight - the decision is in and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and two of its members owe ASR/BSI half a million dollars for blocking deliveries to the factory for 5 days in December of 2021.
The case was heard in May before Justice Goonetilleke who delivered his judgement in writing today.Between Belcogen and ASR/BSI, they claimed that the blockage of cane deliveries cost both companies a total of 1.5 million dollars.Justice Goonetilleke agreed with their argument but not the quantum and only partially allowed the each of claims made by ASR/BSI and Belcogen.
He ruled that three of the five defendants: theBSCFA and two of its members, Pablo Burgos and Canuto Alpuche have to pay ASR/BSI a sum of 520,674 dollars as damages with interest at 6% per annum from 1st. January 2022. They also have to pay their costs.
They also have to pay BELCOGEN 43,456 dollars as damages with interest at 6% per annum from 1st January 2022 and pay their costs.
It's going to be a hefty total, but the kicker here is that government had given the cane farmers an indemnity - so - the accumulated damages, interest and costs - likely over a million dollars will be footed by GOB - covered by taxpayer dollars.
Notably, it is the first successful case where the court has awarded damages for interference with economic interests in Belize.
We'll have more on in tomorrow.
