A legislative session in Belize’s House of Representatives turned confrontational during debates on extending substantial tax incentives for the nation’s sugar and energy sectors. The Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project (Amendment) Bill of 2025 proposes continuing tax and duty exemptions for ASR/BSI and Belcogen, originally established under the Barrow Administration in 2012 to support cogeneration energy projects.
The parliamentary discussion grew increasingly tense as Opposition Leader Tracy Panton challenged the government’s approach despite these financial concessions. Panton revealed the apparent contradiction that consumers face a proposed 14% energy cost increase currently under review by the Public Utilities Commission, despite the substantial incentives granted to industry players. She emphasized the critical importance of the sugar industry to northern agricultural communities and employment stability.
The debate reached its climax when Prime Minister John Briceño launched a sharp retort, accusing Panton of hypocrisy regarding her party’s historical stance on supporting cane farmers. Briceño recalled that during their administration, Panton’s party provided “zero, not a single dollar” to assist northern cane farmers despite their promises of support.
The original 2012 legislation facilitated a $100 million investment deal that rescued BSI through comprehensive tax exemptions covering business operations, dividends, customs, excise, environmental duties, and stamp duties, some retroactively applied to 2008. This initial legislation had previously sparked significant controversy, with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the then-opposition People’s United Party warning that the concessions created unfair advantages for ASR over local farmers, potentially costing $40-50 million in lost revenue and risking farmer displacement. The historical tensions were so severe that they prompted a PUP walkout during the bill’s third reading in 2012.