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The budget debate continued today in Belmopan - and the Minister who's in the hottest seat right now, Jose Mai made his presentation around midday.
We already told you yesterday about his angry, early morning Facebook post. That called out - but didn't call the name of - some multinational who he said is targeting him in ads nightly on this newscast.
This comes at the same time the Sugar Industry Commission of Inquiry - set up by Minister Mai - has been rejected by ASR/BSI.
So today, when he rose to make his presentation, we expected fire and brimstone. But, instead, he struck an almost conciliatory tone when he spoke about the sugar industry:
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"Clearly we do have a difference of opinion but nevertheless has taken his time to meet with both sides. andI am hopeful madam speaker that we will put this matter to rest. to rest. Madam speaker, and while there are some delays, there were some delays with signing the commission of inquiry, it has been signed and it is law. We do expect resistance, Madam Speaker, but, again, I am convinced that we all want the best for this industry.
"The millers and the cane farmers and their families want the best for this industry. And it is times like these, Madam Speaker that you put your hands up in the air and you wonder, am I doing the right thing, or am I in the right place?"
"And while I was discouraged yesterday, and disappointed madam speaker. I will say that as long as I am the Minister for Agriculture, I will continue to struggle in the best interest of all our farmers, the productive sector, of the millers, everybody"
