By Belize Live News Staff: Agriculture Minister Jose Mai has been stripped of control over Belize’s sugar industry in a quiet Cabinet reshuffle. While he retains his title, sugar now falls under Prime Minister John Briceño, with Minister of State for Economic Development, Dr. Osmond Martinez, overseeing daily operations.
Briceño revealed the change stemmed from an emergency meeting in Miami with executives from American Sugar Refining (ASR), the world’s largest sugar producer. ASR reportedly raised concerns over the industry’s management.
Mai’s removal is seen as a major setback for the long-time cane farmer, raising concerns among industry stakeholders. Questions also arise about ASR’s influence over the government’s decision.
Mai has not commented on the matter, leaving uncertainty over how this shift will impact future negotiations.
