Silence on BTL Deal is “Disrespectful to all Belizeans”

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize Network of NGOs, National Evangelical Association of Belize, and National Trade Union Congress of Belize are doubling down on their opposition to the BTL-Speednet acquisition, and this time they’ve attached five specific demands to it. 

In a joint statement issued today, the four Social Partners said it is “disrespectful to all Belizeans” that fundamental questions surrounding the proposed acquisition remain unanswered. 

“Despite repeated calls for transparency and regulatory scrutiny, fundamental questions concerning legality, competition, governance, valuation, conflicts of interest, and the protection of the public interest remain unanswered,” they said, calling it “disrespectful to all Belizeans.”

The social partners have called for “an immediate halt on any further steps toward implementation of the proposed acquisition” and outlined five demands. 

They are calling on the Attorney General to issue a legal opinion on the Telecommunications Act as it relates to the acquisition; on Belize Telemedia Limited to publicly disclose the commercial justification for the purchase, including Speednet’s audited financial statements and the anticipated impact on consumers and workers; on the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to publicly state the Government’s position and explain how any conflicts of interest are being managed; and on the Public Utilities Commission to publish its assessment of the acquisition’s impact on competition before making a decision and invite public comment. Until those steps are completed, the organisations say the acquisition process should be suspended. 

“The Social Partners are prepared to pursue all lawful regulatory, parliamentary, administrative, and legal remedies available, including peaceful demonstrations and, where appropriate, seeking injunctive relief as permitted under the Telecommunications Act and any other relief available at law to ensure public interest drives decision-making,” they said.