By Belize Live News Staff: A storm is brewing between the government and sugar cane farmers after Prime Minister John Briceño took direct aim at critics from the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA).
The BSCFA accused the PM of sidelining their interests and bending to foreign corporations, especially after he reassigned the sugar industry portfolio from Minister Jose Mai to the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of State Osmond Martinez.
Briceño didn’t mince words in response. “When I make decisions in setting up a cabinet, I try to look at it from different angles or where I think I could best serve. I make the decisions.”
Briceño defended his actions, suggesting the sugar industry has been mishandled and now needs greater oversight from his office. “I believe that based on what I have done… I brought the sugar industry under my position to give it the highest priority.”
He also hinted that the association has lost sight of the broader national interest. “They can criticize from the sidelines. But if they want to decide, they need to stand for election.”
