Last week we reported on the High Court award of damages against the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers AssociatIon. It's over half a million dollars. - and when costs and interest are added on - it could reach close to a million dollars.
So will the cane farmers appeal? And do they expect the government to honor the indemnity they agreed to back in 2021 - where taxpayers funds would cover the award?
Here's what Fred Ortega said about it via Zoom last week:
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA
"Of course, not happy with the judgment because I listened to what the lawyer said last night that this is the first time and it sets a precedent and whatnot and in reality, us as workers, as farmers, it's not good because then it comes to show like if we should accept in any way shape or form that we should be treated in a hostile way in which we are unable to make clear our position on what is harming us or what is not good for the farmers we represent so personally I'm not happy with the outcome."
Reporter:
"And you expect that the government if it is that it actually comes down to having to pay those monies that the government would maintain its indemnity pledge and pay the awards and also that they will continue to take up representation of the BSCFA?"
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA
"Well at this point I'm unable to speak about that because we need to have a meeting with the prime minister and his team to see what will be their response to this if they will continue supporting us if we go to an appeal, we don't know at this time so I won't be able to speak to that."
Reporter:
"If it is that they would not be willing to continue accompanying the BSCFA on this, is the BSCFA in a position to do it on its own?"
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA
"Well, in reality it's not so easy. As you know we have been battling from that time to now especially in our financial situation but I think that we have the support of the Belizean people, there might be some that may not be in support of us but I think we have a lot of Belizean people that are supporting us so anything we have to do I think we have to do it for the people that we represent because in reality it's the farmers that are suffering and if we don't put these things as clearly as can be then we'll be leaving a lot of problem for cane farmers that are coming onboard."
