Sugar Association Welcomes Belize–Guyana Cooperation Agreements

The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) is welcoming the strengthening of ties between Belize and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana after the two countries signed several Memoranda of Understanding during the recent three-day state visit of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which concluded on February 3.  According to the association, the agreements reaffirm the longstanding relationship between the two CARICOM nations and outline cooperation in tourism, education, defence and security, and agriculture. SAC says the collaboration signals a renewed regional commitment to integration and shared Caribbean development goals.  In agriculture, both countries agreed to work together toward CARICOM’s food security targets under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which facilitates the free movement of goods within the regional bloc. Prime Minister John Briceño noted that Belize and Guyana intend to supply refined sugar to the wider Caribbean market, assuring the private sector that CARICOM will remain a reliable destination for producers in both countries.  The cooperation also comes as investment expands within Belize’s sugar industry. A joint venture between Santander Sugar Limited and Sucro Limited is currently constructing the Caribbean Sugar Refinery at Santander’s western Belize mill. During his visit, President Ali toured both Belize Sugar Industries Limited and Santander Sugar Limited facilities.  The Sugar Association of the Caribbean says the partnership represents another step toward deeper integration of the regional sugar sector within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, while contributing to the region’s goal of reducing food imports by twenty-five percent by the year 2030.