Government’s decision to relocate the sugar portfolio to the Prime Minister’s Office has prompted sharp criticism from the BSCFA; while the PM cites national urgency and better coordination, farmers allege appeasement of ASR/BSI and betrayal of rural constituencies.
PM Asserts National Crisis Demands Central Oversight
Speaking with the media this week, Prime Minister John Briceño defended his decision to assume direct oversight of Belize’s sugar industry, explaining it as a necessary move to confront what he characterized as an existential threat facing the sector. The transfer in question is the decision to move the portfolio from Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai to the Office of the Prime Minister. Briceno shared that the move reflects the need for high-level attention.
He announced the formation of a task force comprising all four cane farmer associations, BSI/ASR, the Ministry of Agriculture, and CERDI to consider recommendations from the recent Commission of Inquiry (COI) and implement solutions. Oversight of the sector’s daily operations will be handled by the newly appointed Minister of State for Economic Development, Dr. Osmond Martinez.
Briceño rejected accusations that the shift was designed to placate the multinational miller ASR/BSI, stating: “I don’t see how on God’s earth you could come to that conclusion. ... I felt that we need to show that we're giving it the most important priority by having it under the office of the Prime Minister."
Briceno explained the role for Minister of State Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez. "I brought in Honorable Martinez, who is a trained economist, and that can be able to give it the day-to-day attention and then working along with us that we could be able to hopefully steer through this existential threat that is going through at this time.”
BSCFA Alleges Government Yielding to Corporate Pressure
In a strongly worded two-page letter, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) expressed what it called “deep concern and profound discontent” over the government’s decision. The Association claims the change followed an emergency meeting between the Prime Minister and ASR/BSI executives, and accused the administration of responding to “serious concerns” raised by the multinational miller about how the industry was being managed.
The BSCFA argued that the reassignment sends a message of corporate appeasement at the expense of farmers, noting: “It is evident that this change is influenced by the interests of the multinational sugar mill owner, whose agenda does not necessarily align with the needs of our local sugar cane farming communities.”
The Association underscored Minister Mai’s experience and longstanding advocacy for farmers, calling him a “steadfast voice” who fought for fair pricing, better working conditions, and farmer-oriented policy. In contrast, they expressed unease about Dr. Martinez's lack of sector-specific experience, warning that “placing someone inexperienced in this pivotal role” risks marginalizing farmer interests while empowering multinational actors.
Calls for Policy Anchored in Equity and Local Voice
Beyond the personnel critique, the BSCFA raised broader concerns about governance in the sector. It cited previous incidents in which ASR/BSI allegedly resisted government intervention, including during disputes over Fairtrade premiums. The Association warned against a return to what it called a profit-driven system that prioritizes the interests of multinational corporations over the people who sustain the industry.
The letter also referenced the Commission of Inquiry’s findings, calling on the government to urgently act on its recommendations, including reform of the Sugar Industry Act. The BSCFA argued that fair and equitable reforms are essential if local farmers are to thrive.
The Association concluded by urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the portfolio assignment and reaffirm the government's commitment to its northern constituencies, reminding him that support for small farmers had been a cornerstone of the Plan Belize 1.0 mandate.
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