Belize – CPSO

CPSO Applauds Belize and Guyana Sugar Refinery Projects as Strategic Investments to Reduce CARICOM Food Import Bill

By Afiya RayBelize, Guyana, news, Press Release, pressreleaseNo Comments

Bridgetown, Barbados — The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) expresses support for the sugar refinery investments being made in Belize and Guyana by joint ventures involving Sucro Limited, Santander Sugar Limited, and GAICO Construction & General Services Inc, which will expand the regional supply of refined sugar within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

CARICOM currently sources a significant amount of refined sugar from extra-regional sources. According to CPSO estimates, in 2024, the Region imported just over USD150 million in refined sugar. The Belize and Guyana sugar refinery investments will therefore add regional refining capacity and reduce the Region’s dependence on external sources by allowing more of the Region’s raw sugar to be processed within the Community.

The Belize project, under Caribbean Sugar Refinery Limited, will be located within the Santander complex in the Valley of Peace and is expected to commence operations before June 2026. In Guyana, Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc., located at the former Wales Estate, will utilize proven refinery assets and technology being relocated from Canada, alongside raw sugar produced by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), to support a quick commencement of operations.

The CPSO commended His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, for their leadership and commitment in championing the refinery investment and for their support for the CARICOM sugar industry. Noting that this policy commitment was publicly reaffirmed before the Belize National Assembly on February 2, 2026, the CPSO emphasized that the clear policy signal transmitted from the highest political level would further bolster private sector confidence to increase investments in the agri-food sector and position CARICOM as a stable and secure market for regionally produced goods.

Dr. Patrick Antoine, Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CPSO, described the refinery investments as strategic for the rebuilding of CARICOM’s sugarcane production capacity. He noted that the projects are closely aligned with both the region’s agri-food policy and strategy, under the 25 by 2025 plus 5 (2030) agenda, and the Community’s Industrial Policy.

Dr. Antoine further noted that the immediate priority must be to meet intra-regional demand with regionally processed output. By securing the CARICOM market first, the CSME will provide the opportunity for the refineries, supported by expanding sugar production, to achieve the scale and competitiveness required for long-term sustainability.

He added that strong regional policy coordination will be essential to support investments of this scale, making the point that “Private capital can only transform regional agriculture into agroindustry, where market certainty and policy coherence exist across CARICOM. For these investments to achieve their full regional impact, they must be supported by coordinated trade, agriculture, and industrial policies.”

The refinery projects, together with expanded sugar cane production, represent a critical shift for the Caribbean sugar and sweetener value chain. The expansion of regional refining capacity is fully aligned with the Community’s objective of reducing the extra-regional food import bill and deepening regional value chains under the 25 by 2025 plus 5 (2030) agenda.

February 7, 2026

Regional Private Sector Relief to Jamaica Continues

By Afiya RayBelize, Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica, Press Release, pressreleaseNo Comments

Belmopan, Belize | December 2nd, 2025 — The Belizean private sector, mobilized by the Caribbean Sugar Refinery (CSR), is ramping up support for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica by sending a second container, this time loaded with critical building materials.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean Sugar Refinery, a Member of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), has utilized its logistical expertise to facilitate the transport of these essential materials, aiming to assist in rebuilding efforts across affected communities in Jamaica.

The new 40-foot container will transport a variety of building materials, including plywood, roofing sheets, and nails, which are crucial for repairing homes and infrastructure devastated by the hurricane. This shipment underscores the unwavering commitment of Belizean and regional businesses to aid in the recovery process.

The response from these businesses has been a testament to the solidarity and cooperative spirit across the Caribbean. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO CEO and Technical Director, commenting on the continued private sector response action, said, “The private sector continues to demonstrate a deep sense of shared responsibility for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. The CPSO is proud to support and help coordinate these efforts, and we will continue to work with our regional partners as well as the Jamaican private sector on the ground to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most, and that recovery is swift and resilient.”

The previous container, containing 22 tons of household staples, is now joined by this shipment of building materials to further bolster the support for the people of Jamaica. This collaborative relief initiative, led by CSR and supported by the Consulate of Jamaica in Belize, continues to thrive through partnerships with organizations in Belize

Gilbert Canton of Caribbean Sugar Refinery remarked:

“Our thoughts are firmly with the people of Jamaica as they navigate this challenging period. As part of the Caribbean family, we are determined to stand together and support one another. Following this shipment of building materials, we will continue to coordinate efforts with regional businesses to explore further assistance opportunities. Jamaica needs our help, and we are honored to contribute.”

The container of building materials is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica next week, where local partners will ensure swift and effective distribution to regions in urgent need of support.

-END-

December 2, 2025

Belize Businesses Unite to Support Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

By Afiya RayBelize, Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica, news, Press Release, Relief EffortNo Comments

Bridgetown, Barbados – The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) continues to mobilize regional private sector support for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

One CPSO member, Caribbean Sugar Refinery, a growing Caribbean company with operations in Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, has stepped forward to leverage its established logistical network between Belize and Jamaica to facilitate the free transport of essential aid. This facilitation of logistics spurred an immediate and generous response from Belizean and other regional businesses.

Coordinated by Caribbean Sugar Refinery and supported by the Consulate of Jamaica in Belize, the initiative drew contributions from several organizations such as Mennonite Aid for Central America (MACA), Mirab Group, National Aggregates Ltd, Caribbean Paper Company Limited, Fabrigas Belize Limited, Vista Real Estate Limited, McNab Strategies, Island Magic Belize, Westrac Limited, and Mr. Darrell Smith. Together, these partners exemplified the strength of regional unity, underscoring the enduring bonds of solidarity and shared responsibility that define the Caribbean Community, especially in times of crisis.

As a result of their contributions, a 40-foot container carrying 22 tons of essential household staples including bottled water, toilet paper, corn, beans, rice, flour, and baking powder has been assembled. The shipment is expected to support approximately 25,000 meals and provide vital hygiene supplies to communities most affected by the hurricane.

Commenting on the strong stakeholder response, Ambassador Daniel Gutierez, of Caribbean Sugar Refinery, stated: “As members of one Caribbean family, we must stand together in moments of adversity. Following this initial dispatch, we will continue engaging regional businesses to explore additional aid. Jamaica needs us now, and we are proud to contribute. We also extend our gratitude to the logistical partners in Belize and Jamaica whose support made this relief effort possible.”

Commending the initiative, Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of the CPSO said: “This is Caribbean cooperation at its best. The CPSO is proud of the response by the regional private sector in support of relief efforts and the response from our partners in Belize. Acts like these reinforce our shared commitment to regional resilience, solidarity, and recovery.”

The shipment is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica next week, where local partners will coordinate distribution to communities in need.

November 11, 2025