One of the bills debated in the House today was the Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project Bill. This bill seeks to extend tax and duties exemptions for BSI and BELCOGEN for the continued development of the cogeneration energy project. This act had been previously passed by the former administration and according to the PM, after hearing from BSI/ASR about the challenges they are facing in the industry, Cabinet felt it necessary to extend the exemptions.
And while he said he hoped it would not turn into a political debate, the Leader of the Opposition rose to give her concerns.
Tracy Panton, LOO
"What is ironic, Madam Speaker, is that even with these incentives and tax breaks, there is a proposal before the PUC as we speak for an increase in energy costs to the consumer of almost 14%."
"I want to be clear. The sugar industry is vital to Belize. It is vital to Belize's economy. It is vital to our farmers, to our families, and to providing much needed jobs, particularly in the north. But let us examine what this bill represents and if it asks ourselves, if it represents a balanced policy, sound fiscal management and equitable treatment for all stakeholders, especially, Madam Speaker, the cane farmers who remain the most vulnerable link in the chain."
"For the listening public, it is important that they understand that the bill, what the bill represents, no business taxes on BSI and Belcogen. No withholding tax on interest, dividends and payments for technical services."
"No customs and excise duties. No stamp duties and retroactive application from the 1st of October 2025."
And some fireworks exploded across the chambers after the PM lashed out at her, calling her a hypocrite.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I was really hoping we don't have to make this political, but the other side really, really can't help themselves. When there was a drought, 2018-2019 that hit the North, probably one of the worst droughts in recent history, that farmers literally lost millions of dollars because of the dry."
"It was the same member from Corozal North, and the then Prime Minister, Honorable Dean Barrow, said that they were going to help the cane farmers of the North. That's what they said. Leader of the opposition, do you know how much your government gave them?"
"They gave them zero, not a single dollar to help them. And then you come here like a hypocrite to talk about we not doing anything? Look at the Petro Caribe money."
Tracy Panton, LOO
"On a point of order."
House Speaker
"What is the point of order?"
Tracy Panton, LOO
"Parliamentary language, Mr. Speaker. Parliamentary language. You're not going to refer to me as a hypocrite in this house, Mr. Speaker. I am not."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, let the record speak."
Tracy Panton, LOO
"I am not. And it shouldn't be allowed, Mr. Speaker. And I'm asking for it to be struck off this House."
House Speaker
"Member from Albert, your point is noted."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm just trying to make the point, Mr. Speaker. You see, when you use this kind of word, it's when you start to talk about accusing, when you don't look at yourself in the mirror. The previous government did nothing to help the cane farmers."
"Under Petro Caribe, well, which was about $600, $500 plus million dollars from Petro Caribe. What monies did they do to help the cane farmers? Nothing. And then you come and accuse us?"
Sambai Brings Airport Alive
We close with the drummers from Gales Point Manatee who were at the airport welcoming the Cultural team returning from the Unesco Assembly in New Dehli India where they got the Kirsmos Bram and the Sambaa inscribed as part of the intangible heritage of humanity. They brought the airport alive this afternoon and we leave you with that tonight.
Stay tuned to channel 7 for our own bram coming up shortly.
