The Cassava Minister

By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez

They mocked him the "Cassava Minister" and targeted his projects
Before Chiste many of Belize's produce could not hit international markets
Realizing this he brought in BAHA
To regularize the health status of any and all products
For local consumption and international export
This was one of Chiste's signature projects
This is one of his legacies that you hear nothing about

Chiste determined to help his nation
Went to Taiwan
Knowing that one of Belize's premier exports was shrimp and lobster
However the practice of lobster catching for eons in country
Made this an unsustainable industry
He brought in experts to create a marine culture
For crayfish production in this nation
This would increase Belize's stock
And not necessarily pressure the wide stock

Chiste was swarmed by the environmentalist
That had and has no meaningful alternative
But when there is a real program that is ready to launch
This is what happens
Chiste cultured the podia fruit that was never heard of in this country
He was so skillful with the soil creating an artificial dessert environment
With sawdust, sand and manure
Making that plant feel like it was in its natural habitat
Chiste came up with production of that fruit on his ranch
These fruits sell at seven US a piece
The first time any Sanchez saw the fruit was in mainland China in 2001
Those fruits were in the fruit bowls of five star hotels in China
The lower class of people could never afford to eat that fruit

His tribute in Punta Gorda
Was a platform to continue the thanksgiving
To their work and their scholarship
Of those who are contributing immensely to the local
National and international development of Belize