Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2025. 6:46 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: BSI/ASR has initiated a lawsuit against the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) for what they claim is unlawful interference with business operations. The case stems from a blockade that occurred in December 2021 at the start of the cane season, which prevented certain cane farmers from delivering their sugar cane to the factory.
The case in the High Court highlights ongoing tensions between the two parties, historically seen as partners in the sugar industry.
During an interview after Wednesday’s proceedings, Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, attorney for ASR/BSI, explained the basis of the lawsuit. “This blockade severely restricted our ability to engage in business with other cane farmers who wished to supply cane,” Smith stated.
As the trial unfolds, only two of the three witnesses for ASR/BSI have provided evidence so far, with several more testimonies from BSCFA witnesses and two expert witnesses expected to follow. Smith expressed that the trial would extend over the full three-day period allotted.
Smith pointed out that the government of Belize had pledged to indemnify the BSCFA in the event of legal action, a promise that has raised eyebrows given the government’s provision of legal representation to a private association. “It’s a very unusual situation for the state to provide representation at taxpayer expense to a private entity,” he noted.
The BSCFA is being represented by attorneys Marissa Longsworth and Samantha Matute from the Attorney General’s ministry.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.