I agree, to a point. If your product is crap compared to what's available outside the country what's the incentive to improve and supply a better product which will in turn open up export markets. No incentive to improve, no expansion of the market and no creation of jobs. What about availability, if a local product isn't available for the better part of the year why should the consumer go without. Global bans are also a real problem, look at the fruit juice issue, since when does Belize make Cranberry juice?

It's a fine line that takes creative legislation to ensure that the consumer is happy and the manufacturer is motivated to provide a product that has more than just local appeal. The day that happens in Belize will be a great day for the country. Protectionism doesn't work over the long haul and is more damaging than an open market.

That doesn't mean I'm a free trade fan. US free trade means you have to buy US and if you want to sell there you're out of luck because all of the US interests have back door subsidies that ensure that they always come out on top.

I don't know if I like Chavez for what he's trying to accomplish or the fact that Bush can't stand him.