As BTL directors met to decide the future of one of the country’s biggest telecommunications deals, union representatives stood outside demanding answers. They say a decision that could impact every Belizean customer shouldn’t be made without public scrutiny. Now, amid reports that the acquisition received overwhelming support, critics are questioning the negotiations, the value of the deal, and whether the public’s interests were adequately protected. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A major decision with major consequences. That’s how critics are viewing BTL’s move to acquire Speednet Communication Limited. Shortly after the company’s board signed off on the proposed purchase this morning, labor leader Ella Waight showed up outside BTL’s headquarters, making it clear that questions and concerns about the deal are not going away anytime soon.
Ella Waight
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB
“We are out here not to protest, not to demonstrate, but to register that NTCUB from the get go had said, let us do legitimate consultation from the public. Not a group of stakeholders, not from members of the PUP, but from the public, from media, from consumers, from everyone who had a stake in our BTL. That was not done.”
At the time, Waight and KHMHA Workers Union executive, Lydia Blake, were the only two union representatives present.
Lydia Blake
Lydia Blake, Executive Member, KHMHA Workers Union
“All we were asking when we sat together is to put things in prospect and say clear up this, look at this, do this audit let us get the correct sense that we are making a good investment for our people. That is all we were asking for.”
What started as a protest outside BTL quickly gained momentum when BCWU President Jermaine Williams emerged from inside the company’s headquarters to join the demonstrators. The move represents the union’s first clear public rejection of the proposed BTL-Speednet deal, adding new pressure on a transaction that has already sparked widespread debate.
Jermaine Williams
Jermaine Williams, President, BCWU
“What changed today is that when we had a vote it was not only the membership that voted, it was the entire general staff that voted. But other information came out whereby it shows that the value of Smart does not match up with what was presented to us when it shows forty million dollars in capital and it is only showing fifteen million dollars. So its just that figures. I might be near or there with the figures, however that is what it was showing. So this is where we continue to make a stand moving forward to try and put a stop to this.”
Annisa Perdomo
The numbers tell the story. Of the ten BTL directors who cast votes today, eight supported the proposed acquisition while two opposed it. Following the vote, Public Service Union President Dean Flowers joined the growing chorus of critics, suggesting that director Annisa Perdomo was one of the board members who broke ranks and voted against the deal.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“She represents the NTUCB at the SSB and by virtue of the SSB board she has been appointed to the SSB board.”
Paul Lopez
“And what was her vote?”
Dean Flowers
“You would have to ask her, but I can tell you that based on the discussions we had, based on the mandate, based on the principled position, I know she holds, I can tell you it is a no and I rarely put my head on the block.”
If Dean Flowers is correct, then Perdomo’s vote carries added significance. It would mean she broke ranks with the Social Security Board’s latest position on the acquisition, emerging as one of the few directors willing to oppose a deal that ultimately won overwhelming support inside the boardroom. Only months ago, SSB was the biggest holdout on the deal, demanding more answers before signing off. Then Chair Chandra Cansino resigned. Subsequently, SSB issued a “no objection,” clearing the way for the proposed acquisition.
Dean Flowers
“Instead of issuing an affirmative no, they said we will show our spinelessness and issue a no objection, because we do not dare challenge the cabal leader.”
Chair of SSB, Dr. Sheree Smiling-Craig told News Five quote, “Over the last two months, SSB conducted a thorough analysis and research of the merits of the acquisition. SSB believes the acquisition has the potential to strengthen BTL’s market position and enhance the long-term value of SSB’s investment for the benefit of contributors and beneficiaries. It should be noted that SSB is not making an additional investment in BTL.” SSB holds a thirty-four percent stake in BTL. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
