The National Trade Union Congress of Belize says the Prime Minister’s response to its eleven demands falls far short of meaningful action. In a sharply worded letter delivered today, the NTUCB argues that not a single demand was accepted as submitted and insists that promises of consultation are meaningless without concrete commitments and timelines. Now, the country’s largest labor umbrella organization says it is preparing for the next phase of its campaign as the standoff with government escalates. Tonight, News Five’s Paul Lopez examines what the unions want and why they believe these changes matter. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
At the top of the NTUCB’s list is a call to immediately remove BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga and three other board members. The union congress says the failed SMART acquisition, questions about transparency and limited consultation with workers and shareholders have shaken confidence in the company’s leadership. It argues that new leadership is necessary to rebuild public trust in one of Belize’s most important national assets.
Ella Waight
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB
“It was basically because of the nonchalant way the chairman was addressing the issue of the BTL acquisition and the dismissive way he was with the citizens of Belize, saying BTL is a private company and can do what it wants. Then he changed its narrative and said fine it is a public. I know the prime minister mentioned the profit at BTL. We love that, but that’s his job.”
Government, however, rejected that demand. In its formal response, the Office of the Prime Minister says there is no legal basis to remove the chairman or directors and maintains that BTL delivered record profits in its last financial year. Prime Minister Briceno argues that the failed Speednet acquisition alone does not justify the dismissal of board members.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Aug 19th, 2026)
“But did they do anything wrong. I think you all were jumping ahead of your time. The board did not decided to buy Speednet at that moment. The board decided to do more due diligence to see whether it was feasible to be able to buy. A decision was not made at that time for the board to buy. So, what is it that they did wrong.”
The NTUCB also wants labor, business and government to share oversight of BTL. It says workers deserve a voice in decisions affecting jobs, investments and the company’s future.
Ella Waight
“The chair admitted that this is the citizen’s company, BTL is the citizen’s company. The citizens are the workers and obviously the employers of this country. So let us get this tripartite structure where we get someone nominated from NTUCB and BCCI and obviously the government will still have control on the board. But, at least we are there. You are not hearing a lot of corruption or scandal from SSB, because we have checks and balances there.”
The Briceño administration also rejected this demand. Government argues that unions already have a voice on BTL’s board through Social Security Board representative Anisa Perdomo.
Ella Waight
“NTUCB did not elect Sister Anisa to be on the BTL Board. We elected her to be on the Social Security Board. Thankfully, the Social Security Board has that confidence in her where they placed her on the BTL Board, but it is not because she comes from NTUCB.”
The third demand targets the Public Utilities Commission, which oversees electricity, telecommunications and other essential services. The NTUCB wants the commission restructured to include representatives from Belize’s recognized social partners, including labor, business organizations and civil society groups, along with government representatives.
Ella Waight
“It allows for trust to come back to these boards. People of this country will trust more to have a worker representative of this country to come and tell them, you know what, the reality is, we need to pay more for electricity than coming for a government representative.”
Government has also rejected that proposal. In its response, it says the Public Utilities Commission is legally independent and should operate without outside interference. NTUCB and the Prime Minister does agree on one thing; there is a need for stronger collaboration between both entities.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Sept 2nd, 2026)
“I must put it on record that I do recognize we probably need to work harder to have a better relationship with the NTCUB. I have to take responsibility for that. We have the DMP and three other ministers that are the direct liaison with them. So, I was just feeling that they are they ones that represent them.”
More than a week after issuing the response, Prime Minister John Briceño has yet to discuss the demands in detail with News Five. 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.
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