Press Release from UDP:
The United Democratic Party (UDP) calls on the Board of Directors of BTL (Digi):
Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga, Deputy Chairman Jorge Emilio Espat, Directors Allan Pollard, Jose Urbina, Eric Eusey, Chandra Nisbet Cansino, Emogene Habet, Moises Cal, Narda Garcia, Merilyn Young, and Corporate Secretary Melissa Balderamos Mahler to immediately pause and refrain from approving the proposed acquisition of SMART and cable operators at this time.
This call reflects the concerns raised by the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and other Civil Society Partners, and the clear public interest in safeguarding a sector that touches every household, business, and public institution. The UDP insists that no approval be granted unless and until the following minimum safeguards are met:
- Independent valuation and due diligence
A fully independent valuation must establish fair market value, including assets and liabilities, ownership and condition of equipment, remaining useful life, and the true cost of integration, upgrades, and maintenance.
- Independent viability outlook (2, 5, 7, and 10 years)
Professional, independent advice must assess the relevance and viability of what is being purchased over the next 2, 5, 7, and 10 years, including technology obsolescence risks, sustainability of the business model, and the investment required to remain competitive. Using public funds to buy equipment that are imminently obsolete is a waste of public resources and not in the public interest.
- A transition plan for a new market reality (satellite services and emerging technologies
If “competition from satellite services” is the justification, Belizeans deserve a clear, time-bound plan showing how this transaction brings the industry into competitive reach: network modernization, affordability and service-quality targets, cybersecurity, national resilience, and specific investment commitments with timelines.
- National-interest impact assessment
A public-interest review must evaluate the impact on competition, pricing, consumer access, service quality, market concentration, and risks to national communications resilience.
- Meaningful stakeholder consultation
Structured consultations must occur with the business community, consumer representatives, unions, regulators, and other affected partners before any final decision is taken.
- Full disclosure to the Belizean people
The Board must disclose the material terms and implications of the proposed acquisition must be disclosed consistent with transparency, accountability, and good governance.
- Rationale for including the Cable Companies
The UDP also challenges the rationale for bundling cable operators into a transaction being framed as a telecommunications-sector acquisition. Cable service is not synonymous with telecommunications infrastructure, and it cannot automatically be treated as a “strategic national asset” requiring preservation through a publicly influenced deal.
If cable companies are included, the public deserves a clear explanation of why, what exactly is being bought, who benefits, and how this serves the national interest not private advantage. It appears to make no economic sense to burden tax paying dollars with Cable companies that are already near obsolescence in the face of modern technology and streaming.
Telecommunications underpin commerce, education, public safety, and family life. Belizeans have a right to know what is being negotiated in their name and to be assured that any major transaction is clean, defensible, and in the public interest.
If the Board proceeds without disclosure, independent review, and consultation, it will further erode public trust and intensify justified public resistance and civil unrest. The UDP stands ready to join with the Belizean people, the BCCI, unions, and civil society partners in advancing a Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption, including peaceful and lawful public action and any other lawful interventions that become necessary.
The post UDP calls for transparency disclosure and accountability in BTL/ Smart sale appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release from UDP: The United Democratic Party (UDP) calls on the Board of Directors of BTL (Digi): Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga, Deputy Chairman Jorge Emilio Espat, Directors Allan Pollard, Jose Urbina, Eric Eusey, Chandra Nisbet Cansino, Emogene Habet, Moises Cal, Narda Garcia, Merilyn Young, and Corporate Secretary Melissa Balderamos Mahler to immediately pause and refrain
The post UDP calls for transparency disclosure and accountability in BTL/ Smart sale appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.