Panton Warns BTL Deal Becoming Politicized

Another political voice is now weighing in, and it’s a strong one. United Democratic Party leader Tracy Taeger‑Panton is also taking issue with the PUP Northern Caucus and its endorsement of the BTL‑Speednet acquisition. For weeks, Panton has been at the forefront of opposition to the proposed deal, including a high‑profile demonstration held just last week outside Belize Telemedia’s headquarters here in Belize City. The acquisition has drawn heavy criticism from the UDP, union leaders, and independent senators, who argue the process lacks transparency. Now, with the PUP Northern Caucus publicly backing the move, Panton says the stakes are even higher, warning that what should be a national conversation is becoming increasingly politicized.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

 “I think what it signals to me that there’s serious internal conflict within the PUP for the Prime Minister to have to lean on his Northern caucus to support this deal. It is clearly an indication of that. And yes, you answered yourself. It is politicizing of a national issue. I often said, and I said this morning on Channel five, in fact, that we have a political prerogative. The opposition has a political prerogative as is does the government. But this issue is not a political issue. It is a national issue when you attempt to burden the working class with an additional a hundred million or more for an acquisition for which no valid information has been provided to the citizens who happen to be the owners of this public entity, then something is absolutely wrong.”

 

Panton says the Northern Caucus endorsement signals deeper divisions within the PUP and warns that what should be a national discussion about transparency and cost is now being dangerously politicized.