BSCFA Rejects PM Briceno’s Offer!  

The showdown in the sugar industry just got even more intense. Cane farmers have sent a loud and unmistakable message; they’re not backing down. On Sunday, growers overwhelmingly rejected a government‑supported plan that was supposed to end the long-running dispute with BSI/ASR. Even a million‑dollar fertilizer assistance package wasn’t enough to sway them. Farmers say the real fight is about Fairtrade earnings, and they’re not willing to abandon a court battle they believe will determine the future of their livelihoods. Their vote reflects more than disagreement; it signals deepening frustration and mistrust in a sector already stretched thin. And according to Orange Walk Branch Chairman Alfredo Ortega, the farmers’ decision wasn’t just about money; it was about principle, fairness, and keeping control over what they say is rightfully theirs. Ortega breaks down why growers are holding the line, even as tensions continue to rise.

 

On The Phone: Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA, O.W.

“ We had an emergency general meeting with the farmers on which it was presented to them what has been brought forward by, by BSI, and also the proposal of the government on which they were asking us to drop the keys that we have in court in regards to Fair trade premium. And then there was also an offer by the government of million dollars out of fertilizer for the farmers, but also asking the farmers to drop the case. But the farmers were not in agreement to that. The farmers voted yesterday that we continue with the court keys because what was being asked for them to drop. Was no beneficial to the farmers.”

 

Shane Williams

“Can you tell us about the presentations that were made? Who, who made the presentation and how overwhelming was the vote?”

 

Alfredo Ortega

“The presentation was done by our lawyer, Ms. Magali Marin. She gave a detailed explanation to the farmers on the implications and what the case is all about. And they clearly understood based on the explanation she gave. She and another lawyer from her firm gave the explanation to the farmers and also our General Manager gave a part of the explanation to the farmers. And when the vote came it was overwhelming in support that we continue with the issue in court  and that we should not sign any proposal that was set on the table before them yesterday.”

 

Alfredo Ortega On PM Briceno Leaving Association

 

Prime Minister John Briceño’s decision to leave the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and align himself with the Progressive Sugar Cane Farmers Association is raising eyebrows within the industry. While he maintains his right to choose where he stands as a cane farmer, some leaders say the move sends the wrong message at a time when unity is critical. Orange Walk Branch Chairman Alfredo Ortega weighed in on the Prime Minister’s departure and what it could mean for the wider sugar sector.

 

Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA, OW

“As a farmer, he has the right to do or to go where he wants to go. But as a leader, he’s supposed to have been more like – looking forward maybe this is not the best example, but in a house the father of the house try to see to have things going running as best as can. And he don’t run away whenever there’s a problem in the house. So I believe that as a leader, he’s supposed to work along, not only with us, but the production – producers at large on seeing that the sugar industry benefits out of the labor that the farmers do, I believe that is what he should have done but he has the right to move wherever he wants to be as a cane farmer.”

 

Ortega warns the Prime Minister’s move could deepen divisions in a sugar industry that needs unity now more than ever.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: