By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has issued a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister John Briceño, expressing deep concern over the recent Cabinet reshuffle that saw the sugar industry removed from Minister Jose Abelardo Mai’s portfolio. In the letter, farmers called the move “alarming,” accusing the government of sidelining a proven ally of the sugar sector in favor of appeasing multinational interests.
The change, which places oversight of the sugar industry under the Office of the Prime Minister and the newly appointed Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez, was reportedly prompted by an emergency meeting with ASR Group, the multinational company that owns the northern sugar mill. Farmers questioned how corporate concerns led to such a major shift and voiced dismay that their decades-long struggles for fair pricing and improved working conditions could now be overshadowed by foreign agendas.
Minister Mai, a cane farmer himself, was praised for his commitment to the industry and deep understanding of its challenges. Farmers now fear that with a new and less experienced leader overseeing the portfolio, their interests will be deprioritized. They reminded the government of its pledge to support local agricultural producers and called on PM Briceño to reconsider the decision for the sake of the country’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands.
