Panton Signals UDP Ready to Join Forces With Unions on BTL Deal, Corruption
The opposition is signalling that it is prepared to close ranks with Belize’s unions on issues it says are too big for any one group to tackle alone. From the proposed BTL acquisition of SpeedNet (SMART) to allegations of corruption in public office, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the country is facing national problems that demand a broader response.
Unions have traditionally kept political parties at arm’s length, but Panton says this moment calls for common cause, not political surrender. In her view, the fight is no longer just about party politics. It is about decisions being made at the national level that touch the pockets, workplaces, and homes of ordinary Belizeans. Ahead of a meeting with union representatives, Panton laid out a packed agenda, with the BTL-Speednet deal and public corruption topping the list.
“You should ask me what’s not on the agenda. We have a lot to deal with, as you are aware. Certainly the development with BTL is of high priority. The issue of the latent, naked corruption that we see in public office is a major issue for us, and of course the unions have a few issues of their own, and we hope we can find ways to collaborate in the interest of this country.”
“We are a political entity. We have a political prerogative. We make no apologies for that. But these issues are national issues. It affects the political directorate, if you want to call it that. It affects the unions, it affects civil society, it affects our communities at large. We can’t keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results. That is a classic definition for being crazy. We are trying to find ways in which we can work together to support initiatives that will help to hold the government to account, including members of the independent media. We have a duty to this country. We have an obligation to this country. And we are the United Democratic Party, once again reaching out to our partners to say, ‘Let’s see if there are ways we can collaborate.'”
On the BTL-Speednet deal specifically, Panton confirmed the party’s position has hardened, not softened, since two demonstrations the UDP organised earlier this year. “Long before now, the United Democratic Party was very clear on what its position would be on this proposed acquisition of BTL acquiring Smart and Speednet. I think it was two demonstrations we organised to solidify our position on this matter. The position has not changed. It will not change. We can’t have a rogue government making decisions for the Belizean people without consultation with the Belizean people. BTL is owned by every taxpayer that contributes to the Social Security Board Fund and to every working-class Belizean who pays taxes in this country. And so the Belizean people must be consulted. I think the information requested is reasonable and, at the very minimum, should be provided before any deal proceeds.”
Full interview tonight on News 5 Live at 6 o’clock.