PEOPLE’S UNITED PARTY
NORTHERN CAUCUS
Date: August 29, 2012 Contact: Jose Mai
For Immediate Release Phone: 660-0249
The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP) expresses its full support for the financing request made by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) to the Government of Belize for assistance in controlling the Frog Hopper out break and for the damages brought on by the flooding in the North due to Depression Number 7.
Cane farmers in Corozal and Orange Walk are extremely concerned as their fields are being decimated due to heavy infestations of froghoppers which will have serious adverse effects on sugar cane productivity for the 2012/2013 crop. The control of this pest requires urgent attention as experts forecast that the infestation will expand and intensify in September. The BSCFA and individual cane farmers have already invested and exhausted substantial resources in an effort to control the spread and impact of this pest but additional finances are urgently required to continue the control programs.
We remind the relevant authorities of the negative impact that the recent flooding brought on by the passing of Depression Number 7 has had on cane fields, sugar roads and communities. Our farmers and the people in the North require immediate assistance to normalize their lives as soon as possible.
The PUP Northern Caucus calls on the Prime Minister and the Government of Belize to do everything possible to assist this vital industry and the people of Corozal and Orange Walk.
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