January 23, 2015
The Guardian
As soon as the Governor General signs the Amendment to the Sugar Industry Act, the crop will start and include all cane farmers, much to the relief of the cane farmers, civil society, and the Government.
The stand off finally ended on Monday, January 19, when the factory owners, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI), with their majority shareholder, American Sugar Refinery (ASR), signed with the biggest association, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA). This was a huge step forward because, as readers may recall, radicals from the BSCFA worked very hard to prevent the compromise deal being signed between these two entities.
There is nothing wrong with taking strong positions on behalf of those you represent, but cane farmers Lucilo Teck, Alfredo Ortega, Javier Keme, and others poorly advised their fellow cane farming brethren to soundly reject the deal that they had accepted a few weeks before. Of course, the brilliant attorney, Audrey Matura, who wears hats of unionist and firebrand agitator, had a lot to do with the misguided steps taken which drove the wedge further between the cane farming community and the millers.
Everyone agreed that the sugar season needs to start as soon as possible, but instead of guiding those they claim to represent, the radicals convinced the cane farmers that taking a stand right now, and risking their entire year’s investment is a good idea. The better plan would have been to concede and battle another day.
There has been many a suggestion that the farmers are “bowing to ASR/BSI”, which couldn’t be furthest from the truth. The cane farmers didn’t get what they wanted out of the commercial agreement, but neither did ASR/BSI. The cane farmers wanted a 1 year agreement; they signed a 7 year term which must be renewed every year. If the farmers decide after the crop season that they do not want to continue, they have the option to communicate that to the millers in writing. The only condition to that is that the written intention to terminate must come 3 months before automatic renewal which takes place every year. If they miss that deadline, then they can do so before the renewal period comes back around every year.
On the issue of bagasse, the farmers wanted a higher payment per ton of bagasse. They will get paid 51 cents per ton, with the stipulation that ASR/BSI agrees to revisit the formula and negotiation after 3 years. Previously, the farmers didn’t get any payment. They will get one now, and they will get to negotiate for a higher price at a later date.
On the issue of ownership, yes, the cane farmers are conceding that to ASR, but they are getting a benefit in return. Minister of Labour Godwin Hulse communicated very clearly what the farmers position is why they want to retain ownership.
Reference: http://www.guardian.bz/all-politics/8953-sugar-crop-set-to-start-