Government Yet to Discuss Renewal of ASR Concessions

Is another round of concessions coming for the American Sugar Refinery? That’s the big question tonight, as the Government of Belize weighs its next move. The ten-year concession deal granted back in 2012 has officially expired. It was a hot topic then, approved by the Barrow Administration and fiercely debated by the P.U.P. Now, the tables have turned, and it’s up to the current administration to decide whether ASR gets an extension. We spoke with Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai to get insight into where things stand.

 

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“If I support  the renewal of that concession? That is a matter that has to go to cabinet and there has to be vented in the house of representatives. By then, I will decide.”

 

Reporter

“But if not, why?”

 

Jose Abelardo Mai

“No, I’m just saying not, I’m just saying I have to do to analysis and get guidance from my technical team in the ministry and it has to be discussed in cabinet, so I don’t want to comment yes or no, but it has to be well ventilated in cabinet and in pa it has to go to parliament.”