Posted: Monday, April 28, 2025. 4:04 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Mai, has made it clear that losing direct oversight of Belize’s sugar industry will not silence him on matters affecting cane farmers. Speaking candidly in an extended statement last week, Mai said he remains committed to advocating for the 800 cane farmers he represents in Orange Walk South — the largest sugarcane-producing constituency in the district.
“I may no longer be the minister responsible for the sugar industry, but I will continue to defend the farmers,” Mai declared.
The reassignment of oversight to Prime Minister John Briceño, with Dr. Osmond Martinez handling day-to-day management, followed complaints reportedly made by American Sugar Refining (ASR), the parent company of Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI). Prime Minister Briceño had quietly flown to Miami for a meeting with ASR officials before the March 2025 general elections, a meeting Mai said he learned about “after the fact.”
Mai was unapologetic in criticizing ASR’s privileged position in Belize, highlighting the corporation’s numerous benefits — from environmental tax exemptions and fuel subsidies to monopolistic control over both the U.S. export market and the local supply. Given these advantages, Mai questioned how ASR could claim to be in an “emergency,” especially as global sugar prices reach historic highs.
“If they are having problems with all these concessions, what about the small farmer?” Mai asked pointedly, expressing concern about the industry’s growing imbalance.
While some political observers view the move as a demotion for Mai, he insisted he sees it as an opportunity for fresh approaches, reaffirming his loyalty to the farming community. “I am on standby,” Mai stated, emphasizing he remains ready to assist and that legislative changes are urgently needed if Belize’s sugar industry is to survive.
Mai ended with a warning: without real reforms, the sugar sector risks collapse — a failure he says would reflect poorly on the current government if not addressed urgently and fairly.
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The post Minister Jose Mai vows to remain a strong voice for cane farmers despite losing sugar industry oversight appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Mai, has made it clear that losing direct oversight of Belize’s sugar industry will not silence him on matters affecting cane farmers. Speaking candidly in an extended statement last week, Mai said he remains committed to advocating for the 800 cane farmers he represents in Orange Walk South — the largest sugarcane-producing constituency in the district.
The post Minister Jose Mai vows to remain a strong voice for cane farmers despite losing sugar industry oversight appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
