The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) has welcomed the closer ties formed between Belize and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana following the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding during President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent three-day state visit, which concluded on February 3, Love FM reported.
SAC said the agreements highlight the strong relationship between the two CARICOM countries and cover cooperation in tourism, education, defence and security, and agriculture. The association noted that the move points to a renewed regional focus on unity and shared development across the Caribbean.
As part of the agricultural cooperation, Belize and Guyana agreed to work together to achieve CARICOM’s food security targets under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which allows goods to move freely within the regional bloc. Prime Minister John Briceño said both nations aim to supply refined sugar to the wider Caribbean market and assured the private sector that CARICOM will continue to be a reliable market for producers.
The strengthened partnership comes at a time of rising investment in Belize’s sugar sector. A joint venture between Santander Sugar Limited and Sucro Limited is building the Caribbean Sugar Refinery at Santander’s mill in western Belize. During his visit, President Ali toured the facilities of both Belize Sugar Industries Limited and Santander Sugar Limited.
According to SAC, the partnership marks further progress toward deeper integration of the regional sugar industry within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. It also supports the region’s target of reducing food imports by 25% by 2030.
