PROJECTS
Good Labor Practice
The PSCPA promotes good Labor practices which includes providing clean drinking water to its field workers. Therefore, this year the PSCPA pioneered a small awareness campaign on the importance of clean drinking water to over 400 field workers mainly cane cutters with the purpose of providing important information about the importance of drinking water while working in the cane fields in order to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and other more negative health problems due to the sun exposure. Also, workers were reminded the importance of using their health & safety equipment’s while conducting these types of work in order to avoid injuries or other negative health effects.
Protecting the Environment
The PSCPA promotes the importance of properly disposing the empty agrochemical containers in order to protect the environment, health and Safety of the cane farmers and its community. Therefore, the PSCPA has 4 trailers within the PSCPA zones that rotate within the year in order for farmers to properly dispose of their agrochemical containers which should be triple rinsed and punctured before disposing in order to avoid anyone from recycling the use of these hazardous chemical containers.
Celebrating Dia de las Madres
On May 10th, 2019, the PSCPA Zone 3 approved under its Fairtrade Social Program, a mothers’ day activity for 73 of its women cane farmers. The PSCPA knows and values the importance of the women in the sugar industry and through this small initiative showed some appreciation of the hard work that our precious and that our hard working female farmers do every single day through this mother’s day program that was held at our main office filled with games, refreshment and prizes.
Thank you.
To all the Mothers who raised us and guided us.
Say NO to child labor!
In the month of May, PSCPA took a journey in spreading awareness in ten different schools located throughout the Corozal and Orange Walk District namely:
· Guinea Grass Pentecostal
· Guinea Grass R.C
· San Estevan R.C
· San Roman R.C
· Caledonia R.C
· San Pedro Government School
· Cristo Rey R.C
· Cristo Rey Presbyterian Day School
· Patchakan R.C
· San Luis R.C
Over 270 students participated in this awareness program in the month of May 2019.
The Small awareness session consisted in teaching the student what is child labor, how to distinguish child labor from light work, the rights and regulations they have in their favor and the worst forms of child labor. The target group of the awareness session consisted in the upper level divisions specifically standard 6 students, through this we aspired to encourage students to continue their education and stay in school. All this led to June 12,2019 ‘World Day Against Child Labor’ were the children of these school engaged in a poem competition were the students from different schools got an opportunity to show case their poem and talent. The Results of the competition, although a tight competition was won by:
First Place: Alexander Gutierrez (San Estevan R.C school)
Second Place: Sidney Lopez (Guinea Grass Pentecostal)
Third Place: Nigel Rivas (Guinea Grass R.C School)
Over 130 students celebrated the World Day Against Child Labor on June 12,2019.
Weed Specialist Consulting
Progressive sugarcane producer’s association (PSCPA), Pesticide Control Board (PCB), Ministry of agriculture (MoA), along with Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Corozal Sugarcane Producers Association (CSCPA) carried out a weed management project for the sugar cane industry. The objective was to reduce and replace the use of Duron, 2,4 D and Amytrine. The establishment of the weed management demonstration plots was done following this a series of training sessions were conducted to provide knowledge to the farmers on different topics such as:
· Calibration of nap sack and boom sprayer
· Dosage of pesticide per acre
Type of herbicide for different types of weed
El Enemigo de el Cañero(The cane farmers enemy)
As you may all know, the frog hopper is one of the sugar cane producer’s worst enemy causing great losses and in worst cases destruction of entire sugar cane fields plantation. Infested fields look ‘scorched’. Fresh damage appears as short yellow and red streaks in the top leaves. Yellow streaks extend and develop red central stripes. Khaki colored dead areas occur where streaks reach leaf edges. Advanced symptoms are seen on fifth and older leaves. This insect is present in almost, if not in all cane fields, but according to the handling that is given and the controls that are put into work, will be the damage at the end. PSCPA is concerned about this problem affecting many cane farmers, and that’s why actions were taken, An Integrated Pest, Disease Management (IPDM) project was put into work, with the objective of minimizing damage to sugar plantations and insuring a better production for its producers. Various preventative methods are taken to minimize the amount of FH present in the field: soil sample to estimate amount of FH eggs, sanitary harrow to control FH eggs, trash lining, monitoring with yellow bags.
PSCPA Producing Colgate Smiles!
Progressive Sugarcane Producer’s associations held a free dental check-up for its farmers. It was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Where the dental crew had one dental surgeon and two general dentists available. The services that were offered to the small producers consisted of:
· Dental cleaning
· Dental fillings
· Tooth extraction
We had a total of 46 patients where the majority consisted of female farmers with a number of 26 patients and a total of 10 male patients. The dental experts advised the farmers on the importance of practicing good dental hygiene and all our farmers not only left with their brand new Colgate smiles but additionally, knowledge on how to take proper care of their teeth.
PSCPA’s Free Eye Medical Check up
Progressive Sugarcane Producers Association held a free eye medical checkup for its farmers. It occurred on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. The farmers counted with the presence of 2 optometrists, 1 pediatric optometrist and 3 opticians, a full team to assist patients in all their ocular concerns. The services that were offered to the farmers consisted in:
· Eye Exams
· Eye health Checkups
· Eye glasses identification
· Free Eye glasses & fitting
Excellent participation was observed where 92 patients of different ages partook in the activity. 45 of the total participants were female and 47 were male. The participants were very enthusiastic in meeting the experts to assist them in identifying the correct prescription for their eyes and overall eye health.
Farmer eye condition assessment
Free Medical Check up
In PSCPA we know how important it is for every person to experience good health. Therefore, a free medical check-up was done for all our interested farmers who want to know the condition of their health and report any health concern. It transpired on Monday, October 28, 2019. The team was accompanied by their certified doctor that listened and advised the patients based in their particular medical distress. The medical team came equipped to offer to our fellow Belizeans the following:
· Blood Pressure Reading
· Diabetes Screening
· First Aid & Wound Treatments
· Chronic Kidney Disease Screening
· Other medical concerns
The medical team was able to assist 57 individuals, of which 26 were female and 31 were male. Each patient had the opportunity to speak to the doctor and explain their apprehensions. They were advised and given medication to assist them in improving their health. The medical team was pleased to report that of all the patients they attended to, most had good kidney health!
Think Twice and Act Once!
The PSCPA’s Technical staff participated in the Analytical and critical skills training delivered on November 25th & 26th, 2019 at Sai info tech headquarters located in Albert Street, Belize City. The training encompassed of tools and standards when thinking creatively and critically in solving dilemmas that may arise. The training allowed the technical staff to examine their train of thought and type of thinking. Dr. Kiran shared that the average person produces an approximation of 12,000 to 50,000 thoughts per day! Can you imagine? That means we spend the entire day thinking, but of course some activities require more thinking time than others. This training allowed the technical team to develop solutions to different issues by using strategic thinking tools in order to see an over view of the problem and tackle it through different angles. This ensures that we are aware that there are different ways of solving a problem since everyone has their own perspectives which influence the solution path they decide to take. The important thing is that we take that into consideration and work together to achieve a common goal. Lastly and most importantly, Never Change your Goal but rather Change your Strategy!
Think Green! Think sustainable Agriculture!
On the last week of November one of our extension officers participated in an extensive training where the art of planting green and cultivating green was showcased. Mr. William Borland Spent an entire week dated the 19th to the 27th of November learning all the elements of organic planting under the shield of a greenhouse. The purpose of this training was to become knowledgeable of this sustainable way of agriculture, in order to bring all the necessary insight here to our very own farmers.
PSCPA wants to show farmers how we can produce healthy and organic produce at a lower production cost. This means better quality crops with less capital investment. Progressive seeks to implement a greenhouse pilot project integrating terrestrial, marine and atmospheric components that won’t only diversify farmer’s agricultural production but additionally, will help reduce greenhouse gasses and the use to chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
“Safety First, Safety Always”
On the 28th of January 2020, all personnel participated in a First Aid Training lead by Belize Red Cross. The staff learnt relevant skills necessary when an emergency presents itself. The Training tackled the areas of breathing emergencies, cold- related emergencies, accident emergencies and environmental emergencies. A segment of the training was also dedicated on teaching how to cater for soft tissue injuries and cardiac emergencies.The Training included practical segments that clearly put all theory elements of the training into practical. Furthermore, the accurate techniques when performing first aid to adults, children and infants were practiced. This training was critical because anyone, anywhere can make the Difference!
Anyone, Anywhere can make the difference!
.
Forging Women Visibility in the Sugar Industry
On the 8th of March the world celebrated International Women’s Day. This specific day forms a focal point in advocating the movement of women’s rights worldwide. This Year Belize Sugar Industries Limited and the Sugar Cane Stakeholders where the PSCPA participated in celebrating the women achievements and visibility in particular the female cane farmers in the sugar industry. A One- Day session was hosted on March 12, 2020 under the theme “Forging women visibility in the sugar industry” which consisted in motivational speeches from inspirational women with the aim of encouraging women in our industry to take leadership roles in their communities. They were presented with various critical aspects that together are the driving force in the industry where the women play an essential component. We counted we the presence is 36 women and 12 males who similarly share beliefs in women empowerment.
PSCPA ASSISTING ITS MEMBERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. Firstly, reported in Wuhan, China as a case of pneumonia with an unknown source. The outbreak was later affirmed a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organization(WHO), which triggered an alarm crossing all borders world-wide. Unfortunately, Belize has also confirmed the presence of Covid-19 in the country on March 23 rd and presently reporting 18 confirmed cases to date. On the midst to avoid the spreading of the virus the Prime Minister of Belize declared a state of emergency on Belize that begun at midnight on Wednesday, April 1 st . The Belizean government has declared efforts in alleviating the adverse effects of the pandemic by offering assistance to Belizean citizens who are directly or indirectly affected. Although aid is being issued, not all will be able to receive assistance due to the lack of resources. Therefore, Progressive Sugarcane Producers Association (PSCPA) is showing its solidarity through this crisis by assisting its 620 cane farmers members using Fairtrade Premium funds received this year for the sales of FT certified sugar in the EU market. As a Fairtrade certified Association, the PSCPA recognized the importance of assisting the cane farming community by providing a financial assistance of $100.00 BZD to its members for them to be able to purchase their essential food or medical supplies that is most needed during this pandemic crisis. The PSCPA is committed to serving its members despite the current challenges presented with Covid-19 and with the assistance of its managers and staff this financial assistance was individually issued out by the zone managers to its members on April 6 th , 2020. PSCPA is committed to continue assisting its members! We are this together!
¿Sabes qué es el Comercio Justo?
El comercio justo es un acuerdo destinado a ayudar a los productores de los países en desarrollo a lograr un buen comercio. Los afiliados al movimiento de comercio justo agregan precios más altos a los exportadores, lo que a su vez da como resultado mejores estándares sociales y ambientales.
¡Fairtrade se trata de mejores precios, condiciones de trabajo decentes, sostenibilidad local y términos de intercambio justos para los agricultores y trabajadores en el mundo en desarrollo
Engaging Youths in Climate Resilient Sustainable Agro-Ecological Practices within the Northern Landscape (Phase 1).
The Purpose of the Agro-ecological Project funded by GEF/SGP by UNDP Belize is to empower youths and enhance gender-sensitive adaptive capacity to climate change through innovative climate smart agro-ecological practices for resilient livelihoods within the sugarcane industry.
The project group consisted of 15 youths and 12 women from both Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. This project is divided into two main Phases. PSCPA embarked on March 2020 with Phase 1, which consists of the Initiation phase and the Capacity Building sessions. This program will mainly focus on sustainable organic farming which will not only assist in preventing and mitigating child labor in the Sugar Cane Industry, but also help to improve the community’s standard of living.
In a period of two months the participants gained a vast amount of skills from the hands on side of constructing greenhouses from scratch, transplantation of seeds to the production of both liquid and solid organic Fertilizer.
The youths and women were also engaged in empowerment programs that promote skills building, self-esteem, access to information and resources, and community action that position women and youths as confident decision-makers and leaders in their homes and communities. Economic empowerment is central to the participants’ ability to overcome poverty, and improve their well-being. Therefore, a financial literacy program was provided for them, whether it’s growing a business, improving their home or investing in training or education.
Phase 1 culminated on July 30th 2020 and each participant graduated by successfully completing this phase. A variety of produce such as Bokchoi, Callaloo, Cabbage, cucumber, celery, and many more will soon be harvested. Phase 2 is programmed to commence before the end of 2020. PSCPA is proud to present the work of the participants of the agro-ecological Project. Each one of them showed great enthusiasm and energy to work. Thank You, without you this project would have not been a success.
CONGRATULATIONS on your Wonderful Achievement!
Online Child Labor Competition 2020
Due to Covid-19 world pandemic PSCPA’s world day against child labor open day could not be celebrated. Therefore, we decided to explore the cyber world and launch Progressive’s first ever Online Child Labor Competition. The Competitors came from the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. The finalists were:
Allan Blanco ( San Estevan Village)
Ceaser Rodriquez ( San Estevan Village)
Fadir Sosa (San Pablo Village)
Kayla Gabourel (Orange Walk Town)
Ingrid Cob ( San Pedro Village)
The contestants then competed against each other in a democratic and transparent final round where the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners would be identified by the number of likes their post received. After 6 days of online competing for likes the winners were identified to be:
1st Place Fadir Sosa
2nd Place Allan Balnco
3rd Place Kayla Gabourel
End of Fiscal year 2019-2020
Due to the Covid pandemic, the annual AGM was cancelled therefore, the annual report were distributed to PSCPA delegates to disseminate important information.
This year was full of new challenges, but also full of new possibilities and new path to discoveries were embarked upon. We thank all our members who made this year a success. We would also like to take this opportunity to encourage farmers to call us for any query or assistance. Let's keep safe!
ENDING PHASE 1 OF AGRO-ECOLOGICAL PROJECT
PSCPA successfully accomplished the objectives of Phase 1 project entitled. “Engaging Youths & Women in Climate Resilient Sustainable Agro-Ecological Practices within the Northern Landscape”. The project has contributed to building resilience and security in the livelihoods of the participants and their families. These participants represented approximately 10% of the households of PSCPA membership. With the participants hailing from the communities of San Estevan, Guinea Grass, San Jose, San Pablo, San Roman Rio Hondo, and Cristo Rey, it allowed for the distribution of project benefits in both The Corozal and Orange Walk Districts in northern Belize. The benefit was not only from acquiring new agricultural skills but also through empowerment for the women and youths. This program enhanced the participants self-confidence and it will also contribute positively towards their households.
In this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19, GEF/Small Grants Program in collaboration with PSCPA assisted all 30 participants with food pantry packages. PSCPA wants to Thank each one of the participants that contributed greatly towards the success of Phase 1.
Let's Go Green with the PSCPA Team!
PSCPA's environmental program began in the last weeks of October. Welcoming our new fiscal year with a greener and better perspective. We integrated waste classification, reforestation and organic planting. Our gratitude is extended to the Belize Sugar Industry for the donation of beneficial Neem trees and to the Audubon Society for the donation of our Proud Mahogany Trees, both who supported our program.
We want to invite you to go green with the PSCPA team! Every action counts.
