SSB: “Not in a Position to Comment at This Time”

On Wednesday, both the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) are planning to demonstrate in front of the Social Security Board (SSB) office in Belize City over the proposed acquisition of Speednet (SMART) by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL).

The NTUCB has accused the SSB of “acutely concerning” silence on the matter, noting that the board holds 34.2% of shares in BTL and therefore has a legal obligation to safeguard workers’ contributions. In its latest release, the union said the lack of public comment represents “an obvious disregard for the will and sentiments of workers and their contributions to the Fund”. 

The union has called on the SSB to take a “public and principled stand” against the acquisition until due diligence is completed and contributors’ demands are addressed, warning against decisions driven by “corporate or political agendas”.

SSB told News Five that it had no comment beyond the statement that “it has not concluded its due diligence process on the proposed investment and is not in a position to comment at this time.”