UDP Accuses PM of Meddling, Presses On with BTL–Speednet Fight

The United Democratic Party came out swinging today at a press conference held at its Belize City headquarters, zeroing in on the proposed BTL–Speednet acquisition. The UDP says it’s keeping the pressure on, despite Prime Minister John Briceño’s call on Friday for a pause in the talks. Party leader Tracy Taegar-Panton accuses the prime minister of meddling in a process they insist should be left entirely to the Public Utilities Commission. And they’re also taking a bit of victory lap, claiming their recent protest actions pushed the prime minister to pump the brakes in the first place.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“None other than the prime minister of this country, the Honorable John Briceño, is now requesting a pause in the transaction to allow the acquisition process to go to public consultation to be conducted in a respectful and transparent manner underscoring the importance of what we have called for from the very beginning, Parliamentary oversight. All of a sudden we need accountability and transparency and we need to consult, because you the Belizean people have stood up for what is right and what is fair and just. This shifting, the constant shifting of this transaction begs question on the approach to valuation. It begs questions on the financing structure for this deal. It begs questions on the future of earning of this public institution and who should be the beneficiaries of this deal.”