Cabinet Rejects Proposed BTL-SMART Acquisition

Cabinet has rejected Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of SMART/Speednet. It comes after unions announced plans to demonstrate against the deal.

In a press release issued just moments ago, Cabinet said it does not support the acquisition.

“After careful deliberation, it is Cabinet’s informed position that it does not support the proposed acquisition,” it said. “The Government of Belize, the Belize Social Security Board, and the people of Belize are the majority owners of BTL. Cabinet, therefore, has a duty and obligation to responsibly review all available data and relevant information.” 

The announcement comes after the Belize National Teachers Union confirmed it would join the National Trade Union Congress of Belize’s planned demonstration against the acquisition, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18. 

BNTU President Nadia Caliz had urged members to take a stand, framing the protest as a broader question of who government answers to.