Former DPM Hugo Patt says he’s not optimistic that the new crop will start on time

While Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai is optimistic that there have been positive steps towards an agreement between BSI/ASR and the BSCFA, former Deputy Prime Minister Hugo Patt is not so sure. In an interview with Love News, the Corozal North area rep, who himself is a cane farmer, says that he does not expect the new crop season will begin on time. He says that the issues that have plagued the industry are at the root of what he expects will be a delay. 

In our discussion, the former Minister of Natural Resources also reiterated the need for Government to be an honest broker in the negotiations but at the same time, he called for an end to the current regime, which determines how profits are shared.