Opposition Draws Line in the Sand Over BTL Consolidation

The proposed consolidation by Belize Telemedia Limited is facing sharp pushback from the Opposition. UDP Leader Tracy Panton says the process lacks transparency and warns that the deal appears designed to benefit a small group rather than the Belizean public. She says the Opposition is prepared to take all necessary steps to stop it.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“I listened to part of the press conference this morning by the chairman of BTL, and I asked myself, who do they think they’re speaking to? Belizeans are no fools. We understand that this is a deal that seems to favor a few. And that is not in the public’s interest, it will benefit those who have a private advantage. The problem with this arrangement that we see is that there’s no information available, absolutely none. And we insist that there be transparency. We insist that there be full disclosure to the Belizean people. This is a. Publicly owned company owned by the Ian people, and we insist that there are proper feasibility and viability assessments are done to ensure that we are getting benefit for whatever arrangements this acquisition will bring to the table.  I think we made it clear in our press statement this morning that we are prepared to do whatever is lawful civil disobedience, if that is required. We are certainly going, we have been engaged with our. Civil society partners with the unions and we intend to work very closely. Ian people, as are in an uproar and they have had enough. This is on the heels Courtney of the BL situation. This is on the heels of. The cost of living continue to spiral out of control. This is on the heels of $69 million being borrowed for 15 miles of road. This is on the heels of property taxes being increased by 18%, and B BL rates increase and water rates being increased. When is enough.”