By Belize Live News Staff: Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) is taking steps to ensure that Belizeans have access to an ample supply of sugar, amidst concerns about alleged smuggling and rising prices. The company is introducing pre-packaged, refined, direct consumption (DC) sugar to the Belizean market, similar to what is already available in the CARICOM market.
BSI currently has a substantial stock of sugar, enough to meet demand for the next three and a half months. However, some retailers are still imposing limits due to concerns about sugar disappearing from the supply chain, likely being smuggled across the borders to Guatemala and Mexico.
While BSI has been advocating for an increase in the controlled prices of sugar, the company is also taking matters into its own hands by introducing DC sugar. This move is expected to help curb smuggling and ensure that Belizeans have access to affordable sugar.
“We believe that this is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Shawn Chavarria, Financial Manager at ASR/BSI. “This will help to stabilize the market and ensure that Belizeans have access to a high-quality product at a fair price.”
The DC sugar will be sold in kilograms rather than pounds and will be available in both white and brown varieties. BSI has already made significant investments to ensure that it can quickly start selling the DC sugar as soon as the legislative framework is amended.
However, the government is still assessing the situation. Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai said that Cabinet has some questions that need to be answered before it can approve the sale of DC sugar. The government is also concerned about the potential impact on the cost of living.
Prime Minister John Briceño acknowledged the need for a balanced solution. “We need to find a way to ensure that Belizeans have access to affordable sugar, while also protecting the interests of the industry,” he said.
It remains to be seen how the government will ultimately respond, but it is clear that BSI is committed to ensuring that Belizeans have access to a reliable and affordable supply of sugar.
