The UDP is saying no to the proposed BTL/Speednet acquisition, and it is laying out several reasons why. The party says too many questions remain unanswered, from transparency and due diligence to consumer protection and regulatory oversight. According to the UDP, a deal of this size should not move forward without a much clearer picture of its financial, legal, and public-interest implications. Today, we spoke with party leader Tracy Panton about that official position.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party
“Long before now the UDP was very clear on what is position would be on this proposed acquisition of BTL acquiring Smart and Speednet. It was two demonstrations we organized to solidify on this matter. The position has not changed. It will not change. WE cant have a rouge government making decision for the Belizean people without consultation with the Belizean people. BTL is owned by every taxpayer that contributes to the Social Security Board fund and to every working class Belizean who pays taxes in this country. So the Belizean people must be consulted. The information requested is reasonable and at the very minimum should be provided before any deal proceeds.”
Paul Lopez
“BCCI says its putting the cart before the horse and there are legal tactics that can be used to bypass the PUC. Your thoughts on that?”
Tracy Panton
“I would want to share the view of the president of BCCI who feels like it is a done deal. We have seen these tactics before. We feel like this government is goundho on doing what it wants, regardless of what its partners suggest would be a more appropriate way to address the issues we are facing. They proceed anyway. There is little regard, little respect of our civil society partners, our social partners. There is no respect for our Belizean people. So I understand his sentiments. After a while you get jaded.”
The UDP’s release also alluded to a clear conflict of interest in the proposed acquisition as well as risk associated with shifting the telecoms market from competition to a monopoly.
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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