Earlier this week, we told you about a major court ruling that’s left the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association on the hook for over half a million dollars in damages, stemming from a blockade back in December 2021. The association says the government had previously promised to cover that cost on behalf of the farmers. So, will they follow through? Today, we put that question to P.U.P. Chairman Henry Charles Usher. Here’s what he had to say about the government’s position and whether that promise still stands.
Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, People’s United Party
“The decision was recently made. We have not had a cabinet decision or cabinet meeting yet to go over the decision to hear the advice of the Attorney General. And when that cabinet meeting is concluded and that decision is made, then we can explain to the public, explain to the media the way forward.”
Reporter
“Does the government regret giving the identity?”
Henry Charles Usher
“You’re asking me to talk on behalf of the entire government. I don’t think I can do that. I think it’s a decision made by the cabinet to support our cane farmers and to support the association, so I support the decision of cabinet.”
The High Court has ruled that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and two of its members must pay over half a million dollars in damages. Why? A three-day blockade back in December 2021 brought the BSI sugar mill to a standstill and the court says it wasn’t just a protest, but a calculated move to pressure the company during a breakdown in talks. But this ruling goes beyond pointing fingers, it shines a light on deeper issues of accountability, readiness, and the delicate balance that holds Belize’s sugar industry together. When tensions boil over, who should pay the price? Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A landmark ruling from the High Court has found the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and two of its members liable for over half a million dollars in damages after a three-day blockade of the Belize Sugar Industries Limited mill in December 2021 brought operations to a grinding halt. The protest, triggered by a breakdown in commercial negotiations between BSI and the BSCFA, saw cane-laden trucks block the entrances to the mill and its residential compound. The court found that this action, though not officially sanctioned by the BSCFA, was effectively enabled by its leadership, who failed to intervene until a new agreement was reached.
Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke ruled that the blockade was a deliberate act of economic pressure, not a spontaneous protest. The court awarded BSI BZD 520,674 in damages for lost production and employee costs. A related claim by Belize Cogeneration Energy Limited (BCEL), which relies on BSI’s byproduct bagasse to generate electricity, resulted in an additional BZD 43,456 in damages. However, the judgment also raised questions about the companies’ own preparedness and response. The court found that both BSI and BCEL could have mitigated some of their losses. For instance, BCEL had a reserve of bagasse that could have kept its power plant running during the blockade but chose not to use it.
The case highlights the fragile interdependence between cane farmers and mill operators in Belize’s sugar industry. While farmers rely on BSI to buy their cane, BSI depends on timely deliveries to keep its mill running. The blockade, which began on the very first day BSCFA was scheduled to deliver cane, was seen by the court as a strategic move to force BSI’s hands in negotiations. Should farmer associations bear full responsibility for the actions of their members? Could BSI and BCEL have done more to prevent or respond to the disruption? What mechanisms should be in place to resolve disputes without an economic fallout? This case may serve as a cautionary tale, and a call for more resilient and transparent systems of negotiation and accountability. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Back in December 2021, talks between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and BSI hit a wall. With no agreement in sight, the BSCFA warned they’d block the mill, and they followed through. Not only did they stop their own deliveries, but they also vowed to keep other farmers from delivering sugarcane as well. That move set off a major legal battle. The court found that the blockade wasn’t just a protest, it was a deliberate act that interfered with BSI and BELCOGEN’s right to do business. The farmers trespassed on private property, blocked access, and, according to the ruling, did it all with the intent of causing harm.
Hector Guerra
Hector Guerra, Attorney-at-law
“This case was grounded in the economic tort called unlawful interference with economic interest. This is the first time that a case like this has been fully litigated and upheld within a court in Belize. That underlying dispute had to do with a commercial agreement which at the time was ripe for renewal and the parties were actively engaged in renewing that commercial agreement. There were ongoing discussions, negotiations at the time and an impasse ensued, meaning that the parties could not come to an agreement in terms of what the material terms of that commercial agreement would have looked like. In leading up to the actual… blockade, the BSCFA had, in a meeting, declared to BSI that if they could not come to some agreement in terms of what the commercial agreement would look like, they would, in fact, block the mill and they also asserted that no other association, no other farmers would be allowed to deliver sugarcane to the mill. So that forms the backdrop, the factual basis upon which this claim was launched. The claim itself says that the BSCFA and the individual farmers who were named unlawfully interfered with BSI’s right to engage in trade. So, there are essentially four elements which had to be proven in court. The first is an interference with BSI’s and BELCOGEN’s right to engage in its business, in its trade. The second was that unlawful means were used. In this case, that unlawful means was a trespass on BSI’s property, on BSI’s compound which blocked the ability of farmers to deliver sugarcane. The third element which had to be proven was that it was intentional, in a sense that it was deliberately done in order to cause harm, to cause damage.”
After months of legal back-and-forth, the court has sided with BSI and BELCOGEN, confirming that the blockade at the mill wasn’t just disruptive, it was unlawful and costly. The companies proved they lost money, missed contracts, halted production, and even lost energy sales to the national grid. But as Hector Guerra explained, this case was never just about dollars and cents. It was about principle, about protecting economic interests and demanding mutual respect in how we resolve disputes. Here’s more from that judgment.
Hector Guerra, Attorney-at-law
“The fourth element which we were able to successfully show in court was that BSI and BELCOGEN, as a result of the blockade, suffered monetary losses, in terms of contracts to deliver sugarcane products, in terms of the ability to manufacture sugarcane products, and in terms of the ability to sell, for BELCOGEN, energy to the grid in Belize.”
Reporter
“And the court agreed with you all.”
Hector Guerra
“Yes. So this is a fair and balanced judgement, but the underlying essence of the judgment is that the court found that the BSCFA and two other farmers were liable because they intentionally and unlawfully blocked the entrance to BSI’s mill. This was never about a monetary sum. It’s not about the figure, it’s about the underlying principle, it’s about upholding economic interest and ensuring that parties engage with respect for each other.”
Late this evening, we caught up with PSU President Dean Flowers to get his take on a court ruling that could have big implications for future union protests, especially those that might impact an employer’s bottom line. We also asked him whether the government should stick to its promise of indemnity. Here’s what he had to say.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“Since 1964 when we achieved self-government, government after government has been pillaging the Belizean tax payers dollars, so whether they pay It or don’t pay it is the Belizean people paying. It is five hundred thousand or a million dollars less that they will take for themselves. So pay it. It is caneros. We are with the caneros and when they decide block, ASR/BSI as a union leader I will be there again to block. We have to understand that in this day and age workers have to fight for their dignity. And I want to express my solidarity with the BSCFA, and the government is on the hook, they made the commitment and they have to pay it. They have to pay it.”
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and two of its members must pay more than half a million dollars in damages to Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) and its energy subsidiary, Belize Cogeneration Energy Ltd. BELCOGEN), for a three-day blockade that brought operations to a halt in December 2021. The court found that the BSCFA orchestrated the protest, which began on December twenty-eighth, 2021, after failed negotiations over a new cane supply agreement. Farmers used their trucks to block access to BSI’s Tower Hill facility, preventing the delivery of cane and the sale of sugar products. BSI claimed over one million dollars in losses, but the court awarded a little over half-a-million dollars, citing that some losses could have been avoided. BELCOGEN, which relies on sugarcane waste to generate electricity, was awarded over forty-three thousand dollars after the court found that it failed to use reserve fuel to keep its plant running. Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke ruled that the blockade was intentional and that BSCFA leadership had the power to stop it but chose not to until a new agreement was reached. The judgment affirms that deliberate interference with commercial activity carries significant legal and monetary repercussions.
On the Phone: Alredo Ortega, President, Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association
“I’m unable to speak anything about that right now because I have not read, I have not seen what is the outcome of it really, I’m unable to say anything right now. I might can tell you something about that tomorrow, but today I really am unable because I haven’t seen the document, I have not read anything about it, so I don’t know what it contains.”
Britney Gordon
“Okay. So can you then tell me if you can’t give an initial reaction to it, at least, what the preferred outcome is for the association, or at least what are some plans you guys have in place to move forward if it’s not a desirable outcome?”
Alfredo Ortega
“As we speak, that when this thing happened, the government assured the association that the government will take over if there is any thing that comes out against the cane farmer. So as we speak right now, that still stands. We have that that document that was signed by the Prime Minister at that time. But we hope that it’s our hope that it comes out. We believe that what was done was not done in bad faith rather than getting forward to the farmers. See that they can deliver their can.”
Britney Gordon
“Has the government pledged to assume full responsibility of anything that was done at that time?”
Alfredo Ortega
“We don’t know. Right now as we speak, we don’t know what will be the response. But we have the document that was signed at that time that they will take full responsibility to that.”
Let’s take you back to December 2021, here’s what then-BSCFA Chairman Andrew Westby told News Five when we asked him about the possibility of a lawsuit coming out of the blockade.
On the Phone: Andrew Westby, Chairman, Management Committee B.S.C.F.A. (File: Dec 31st, 2021)
“That will be in the government, the government will take hand of that, will handle that. They assured the farmers that they will handle that. We have a letter signed that was brought to me. PM personal got the copy to me at the conference room at B.S.C.F.A. office in front of the ministers and our directors. They will take full responsibility if any legal thing was brought against the association.”
Paul Lopez
“That’s what the letter says?”
On the Phone: Andrew Westby
“Yeah.”
So, the question is, will the Government of Belize honor its commitment to the sugar association? We will wait and see how it plays out.
On Monday night, we took you deep into the heart of San Pedro, Columbia, where subsistence farmers are facing a growing threat, an aggressive rodent infestation that’s putting their crops, and their livelihoods, at risk. But as our team ventured further into the deep south, we uncovered more than just a pest problem. What we found was a rich tapestry of tradition, age-old farming practices rooted in Maya culture, where every planting, every harvest, is guided by ancestral wisdom. Tonight, in our latest installment of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez takes us beyond the fields and into the soul of southern Belize’s farming heritage.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A rodent infestation is sweeping across small farms in the Toledo District and it’s not only threatening crops and livelihoods. It’s shaking the very roots of a farming tradition passed down through generations of Maya families. And while stories of rats in the milpas have been whispered for years, farmers say this is different. This time, it’s not just folklore. It’s real. And it’s right in front of them.
Sylvano Tesecum
Sylvano Tesecum, Farmer, Toledo District
“My ancestors from long time, my grandmother use to tell us the story of lots of rats before, until now I am seeing it.”
So, we hit the road and made our way to San Pedro Columbia to see it all for ourselves. But what we found wasn’t just farmers going about their daily grind. We stepped into a world where farming is more than just planting and harvesting, it’s a way of life. It’s a system deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, a respectful partnership with nature, and a strong sense of community. Preparation for planting begins the day before. Raphael Choc, an experienced farmer, acted as our cultural guide for the day.
Raphael Choc
Raphael Choc, Farmer, Toledo
“Before the planting, the owner will need to go out there and find workers, most of the time family members.”
Before planting begins, there’s a sacred commitment. The men chosen for the task take a vow of purity, abstaining from sexual activity the night before. It’s a spiritual preparation, rooted in deep respect for the land and the traditions that guide their way of life.
Raphael Choc
“Of course the planters must make sure they are pure and for them to be pure we ask them not to sleep with their women the night before of the planting and whoever cheats we will know. We will see the results in the corn field.”
Before sunrise, the men set of on their journey to the farm through mountainous, densely forested terrain. The route kicks off with a steep, fifteen-minute uphill climb that really puts your endurance to the test. And just when you think you’ve conquered it, the trail drops into an even steeper descent on the other side, challenging your footing and your focus every step of the way. The Maya people have, for generations, been making use of the plants this jungle provides.
Raphael Choc
“Smell this, this is the cow foot leaf, this is the cow foot leaf. So what we do is put this in the lancha. The waha leaves. So, people need to understand we need to start to go green. We the buy aluminum foil and plastic wrapper. We the grow this here. It does not rip. We call it the green wrapper.”
On the farm, the men wear a sling bag known as a kuxtal, across their shoulders that is filled with corn. They traverse the land together, poking holes in the ground and placing the seeds in an orderly fashion.
Raphael Choc
“Of course when everybody comes together, he will not pay them financially, what he will do is give back that working day. So if he gets five people to plant, that means he owes five days work, one day for person. It does not have to be planting, but any work he has at the farm.”
We enjoyed a refreshing bowl of a traditional corn-based beverage, before the return trip. After a long day in the fields, these farmers don’t just head home. They hoist their harvest onto their backs and tackle that same steep incline all over again; this time, weighed down by the fruits of their labor. It’s a grueling climb that shows just how much heart and strength goes into every crop.
Paul Lopez
“Now you imagine this climb, with a sack of corn on your back. That is what they have to do to transport the corn from this area out to where they can sell it, eat it and feed it to their animals.”
Ultimately, the struggles pale in comparison to the reward. It’s customary for the farm owner to host a feast, a heartfelt thank-you to the workers who’ve toiled alongside him. A freshly prepared bowl of chicken caldo is on today’s menu.
Raphael Choc
“So this is the reward of the planters. You have a hot dish of the local chicken caldo, a cup. That is for the chocolate drink. We also have the hot corn tortillas and we also have the hot pepper. As you can see we feed the kids first, then the planters around the table and after when the planters leave the room that is when the women will take over the table and they will have their own feast. And whatever left over food they have they will take it to the family.”
The belief is that if they adhere to these Maya practices then they will experience a favorable harvest.
Raphael Choc
“So now what we are facing is these rats. So we want to know if they are not following the traditional rules or if the rats are just there.”
In any event, the rodents must be eradicated in order for these cultural practices to thrive across seasons. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
It’s corn season in southern Belize, but instead of harvesting, farmers in San Pedro Columbia are fighting off an invasion. Not from the weather, not from thieves, but from rats. And lots of them. These rodents are tearing through fields, devouring seeds and young corn shoots, and leaving small-scale farmers scrambling to replant, again and again. With time running out and resources running low, the community says they’re at a breaking point. News Five’s Paul Lopez traveled deep into the Toledo jungle to hear firsthand how this rodent crisis is threatening not just crops, but culture, tradition, and livelihoods.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This time of year, farmers in San Pedro, Columbia should be gearing up for corn harvest. But instead of reaping what they’ve sown, they’re fighting off an unexpected enemy, rats, lots of them. And right now, the rodents are winning. Local farmer Sylvano Tesecum says he’s had to replant his corn not once, but twice in just a few weeks. Why? Because the first batch of seeds, and even the young corn shoots, were wiped out by a wave of hungry rodents. It’s a frustrating and costly setback for subsistence farmers who are already stretched thin. And with every passing day, the battle between man and rodent is threatening not just this season’s harvest, but their very livelihood.
Sylvano Tesecum
Sylvano Tesecum, Farmer, Toledo District
“The rat is really damaging us with the situation we are going through, planting two times and it is not only me. There is a lot of farmers getting affected. I am going to put a next try and we cannot give up.”
For these small-scale farmers, giving up isn’t an option. Most of them work tiny plots of land, and every ear of corn counts, not just for their families, but for the animals they raise and the little extra they earn at the market.
Sylvano Tesecum
“They eat anything. They start to eat a lot of thing. They eat grass too not only the corn, they eating some rotten sticks. And it looks like they want to eat us too mein.”
These pests are masters of hide-and-seek, burrowing into the rich soil during the day and emerging under the cover of darkness to feast on freshly planted corn. Tesecum says he’s seen rodents before, but never like this. Residents believe the surge in rodent activity may be linked to the 2024 forest fires, which they say disrupted the local ecosystem.
Maximilliano Caal
Maximilliano Caal, Farmer, Toledo District
“Subsistence farmers, small scale farmers planting corn in this area here, it is not huge areas. But it is very cultural, and it is important to the practice here in southern Belize because we are self reliant. There is a lot of imbalance to the ecosystem, things like grey foxes, the ocelot, the jaguarundi, the hawks, they have very little area for them to come back. So, it will take a gradual process for the elimination of the rats.”
In the rugged hills of Toledo, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a test of endurance. To reach one of these remote corn plots in San Pedro Columbia, we had to drive up a steep, winding path for nearly twenty-five minutes, then hike another two hundred and fifty feet on foot. And that’s just to get to the field. These small farms are carved into the jungle, tucked between hills to shield them from harsh weather. All along the roadside, you’ll find farms under siege. And with corn being a seasonal crop, timing is everything.
Maximilliano Caal
“It is bigger than just rats. It is putting the stake of Maya lives at stake, because we wont have enough corn to keep on planting. It is also seasonal, because the corn does need sufficient water when you are planting. When the farmers plant at this time, we anticipate the rains. At this point most farmers should have already planted. Some farmers tart planting in May. We are already in July. Come August we should have things like corn lab, ducunu, that is when people enjoy that. So that is a thing that is also changing, because we wont have the corn in time for the families to enjoy.”
The stakes are high. They’ve only got a limited stash of quality seeds left from the last harvest and the rats are tearing through them. If those seeds run out, this season’s loss could snowball into next year. And it’s not just about planting. These farmers still follow the tradition of reciprocal labor, trading time instead of money. But there’s a catch: after planting, the host has to feed the whole crew. That cultural feast? It’s another cost they’re struggling to cover.
Raphael Choc
Raphael Choc, Farmer, Toledo District
“After planting there is a reward for the workers. We have a feast. The main food is the caldo, local chicken caldo. That is what we give to the workers. The feast is an expense. Local chickens are not so cheap, not only to buy but to raise, local chickens are expensive. Corn is what we are short of, and this is the second feast we are doing. It is a second expense. The first expense just gone down the drain. This second expense, we hope that we get this other corn.”
So, what’s the fix? Some farmers tried bringing in cats, but they went wild. Others are burning the land to flush out the rodents, but that’s risky and can spark bigger fires. With time running out to plant, many are taking that gamble anyway. But, Tesecum says even that isn’t working. The rodents keep coming. Now, the community is calling on the government to step in before the damage gets any worse.
Jose Mai
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture (File: July 16th, 2025)
“So that you have rodents on a farm is not strange or surprising to anybody. If it is an invasion I don’t know. What do you call an invasion? If you have ten rats on a field eating a pumpkin, is that an invasion? My technicians will have to go make that assessment and report back to us.”
Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai is weighing in after the High Court granted leaveto the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association to move forward with their claim against Belize Sugar Industries Limited and Tate & Lyle Sugars. At the heart of the dispute? Unpaid Fairtrade premiums from the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 crop years. Minister Mai spoke openly, he says this is about farmers getting what’s rightfully theirs.
Jose Mai
Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“It is about money, money owed to the cane farmers an the farmers want their money. I think the ruling states that Tate and Lyle will be a part of it, they were not dismissed. You were a part of it so you have to stay and be a part of it. The matter is in court and I don’t want to discuss it. But the farmers want their money and at a point in time where the fields are in bad shape, the monies could be well implemented in mitigating and battling the effects of fusarium. We have a very low crop, a very low sugar content so the industry is in very bad shape. The farmers are asking for their money. They want their money.”
