July 2, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Sugar Industry in “State of Crisis”: Stakeholders Demand Immediate Government Action

Leaders of Belize’s four sugarcane producers’ associations issued a joint resolution declaring a “critical and unprecedented crisis” in the sugar industry. The associations warned that escalating biological threats have severely undermined cane production, which now jeopardises the sector’s long-term survival.

In a resolution signed on Monday, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA), Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association (NSCGA), and Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA) pointed to widespread crop destruction caused by the froghopper, the stem borer, and the emergence of fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that has raised alarm across farming communities.

“The current challenges cannot be borne by sugarcane farmers alone, who lack the financial capacity to shoulder the full burden of recovery and investment necessary for sustainable production,” the associations said. “Immediate and decisive intervention is imperative.”

It added, “These biological threats, compounded by the escalating effects of climate change, have placed the industry at grave risk. Immediate and decisive intervention is imperative.”

Their proposals include:

Increasing the local price of Molasses C by 1.5 times and Molasses B by 2 times the current export price, with proceeds going to a Cane Sustainability Fund.
Allocating 65% of any authorised price increase in plantation white and brown sugar to the Cane Sustainability Fund.
Raising the electricity tariff for bagasse-based energy sold to BEL by $0.055 per kilowatt-hour, with the added income supporting sustainability projects such as drainage infrastructure.

The associations also proposed alternative levies on molasses-derived alcohol products that could generate revenue directly for cane sustainability efforts.

The document was sent to Prime Minister John Briceño, Agriculture Minister Jose Mai, and Minister of State Dr Osmond Martinez.

Caye Caulker Village Council Accuses Police of Brutality

The Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) has issued a firm statement condemning what it describes as a growing pattern of violence and abuse of authority by members of the local police department, particularly targeting the island’s youth. In its press release, the Council expressed solidarity with those who lack the voice or resources to defend themselves and demanded immediate action to address the situation.

According to the Council, the community has witnessed a cycle where young residents are assaulted, beaten, or mistreated by police officers, often without consequence. The Council said that each wave of violence seems to escalate and, in the most tragic instances, has resulted in the death of young men. A similar incident a decade ago, they noted, had already prompted widespread outrage and concern.

The Council urged residents and leaders not to respond to violence with violence but instead to pursue every peaceful and lawful avenue to address the problem. They stressed that officers who serve in Caye Caulker must be committed to de-escalation, accountability, and genuine community protection. “The presence of officers prone to violence and improper conduct cannot be allowed on Caye Caulker,” the release stated.

The Council made it clear that there is no justification for the use of excessive force, especially against unarmed citizens. “The punishment for crimes is loss of freedom, not brutality,” they stated.

The press release also addressed concerns over reports of officers acting unprofessionally, stating that some are behaving no differently than gang members or bullies.

“We must all acknowledge that those tasked to uphold the law are not the law. They are held to the same legal standard every other citizen is held to,” the statement read.

The statement comes after a police officer fatally stabbed Kevin de Paz during a brawl.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Found Guilty on 2 of 5 Charges

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

The mixed verdict was delivered this morning following an eight-week trial in which jurors heard graphic testimony, including from Combs’ former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. A 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura was presented in court.

While Combs avoided a potential life sentence, he now faces up to 20 years in prison, 10 years for each of the two counts. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The defence is seeking his release ahead of sentencing, a request the prosecution is opposing.

After the verdict, Combs turned to the courtroom gallery and applauded, prompting cheers from his supporters.

Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Doug Wigdor, said, “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking… she paved the way… This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”