Another portion of his prepared remarks was focused on the news which broke that Santander was caught selling white plantation sugar in the local market, something which the company - as an EPZ - is not permitted to do.
It's a hot button political issue because all three sugar associations have condemned the violation - and those cane farming groups represent a huge political constituency.
Here's what Briceno had to say:
Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader
"The People's United Party has always stood with the over 5,000 Belizean cane farmers. Last week it was brought to my attention that Santander was selling sugar in our local market. When Santander came to Belize they applied for an EPZ status which was granted to them. What this means is that Santander was given certain tax incentives which our cane farmers do not enjoy. We support the initiatives that government provided to Santander and we are happy that Santander has allowed a few Belizean farmers to deliver cane to their factory. Still, we are a country that is governed by laws and EPZ laws are clear. I want to strongly encourage the minister with responsibility for foreign trade to do his job."
"We have to support Santander. They have invested millions in Belize and they are our partners. We can support them by ensuring that they and BSI have access to CARICOM markets, in places like Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. While we stand with all our farmers, we are prepared to work with Santander to put pressure on government to get more of our Belizean sugar into CARICOM markets; but we cannot violate our laws to encourage ministerial hustle."
As we told you, Santander has apologized - but still has an application pending before the EPZ Committee to sell brown and plantation white sugar on the local market.
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