BSI/ASR Welcomes COI on Sugar Industry, Raises Concerns Over Confidentiality

While officials at BSI/ASR are reluctant to give an interview on the recent developments with the Commission of Inquiry, they have issued a brief statement.  In a 3-paragraph release, BSI/ASR says it welcomes the role of the COI that has been tasked to give advice on how to modernize the sugar industry for its long term viability.  It furthered by reiterating its concerns over the sharing of propriety and confidential information. BSI also indicated that it stands by its message to the government that it will not cooperate with a COI whose platform and focus is to use process as an avenue to negotiate a new commercial agreement which is a private commercial matter.  In conclusion, BSI notes that it is, “looking forward to sharing its views on reforms to modernize the current regulations governing the industry which are dated.  BSI is content to engage in a benchmarking exercise on mill efficiency. Similarly, the company remains open to working on a transformational strategy with all industry stakeholders to improve cane yields in northern Belize which are amongst the lowest in the world. This would ensure improvements in productivity and efficiency to make the industry viable.”