Agriculture Sector, a no show in the 2011-2012 Budget

City of Belmopan, March 30, 2011

By Carla Bradley

The Government of Belize has failed to truly answer questions regarding high unemployment, crime, and decrease in tourist arrivals, and in particular why the economy is as depressed as it is today.

At the Senate meeting on Tuesday March 29th 2011, Minister/Senator Doug Singh was ecstatic about a mere 2.4% GDP growth. In Belize there are over one hundred thousand Belizeans living in poverty and yet the government is celebrating the type of growth that only benefits a few.  We are sure poor Belizeans see nothing to celebrate.

Singh, who is the appointed Police Minister, did admit to a 33% increase in murders across the country, which is the worse this country has seen in its history and sadly enough it is not looking any better as days go by.

Minister Singh mentioned that the agriculture sector has been booming and that money has been pumped into this sector in order to help it grow, but failed to mention the plight of rice growers in Blue Creek, or the onion producers in the northern districts.

Rice growers’ produce has been sitting in storage, because the GOB has decided to import rice from Mexico.  The onion growers have lost over five million dollars because of an oversupply in the market, after GOB imported onions from Holland. Even the shrimp industry’s exports are declining.

It was stated by this current government that loans would be available for small farmers and small businesses at a lower interest rate, but it is yet to be seen. In order for the business sector to grow, they must be given that chance to prosper.

Senator Courtenay mentioned that the performance of the agricultural sector was not shown in this year’s budget, and he asked why not?

Agriculture is often referred to as the Pillar of the Economy, but in this year’s budget, the Economy dangles on delicate strings because there is no support for the Agriculture sector.

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