The Briceño administration’s $256 million acquisition of Fortis Belize Limited and its BEL shares has reignited a fiery debate in the Senate, with Opposition Senator Patrick Faber leading the charge against the government’s plan to divest the newly acquired assets. Faber criticized the move as reckless, questioning the expertise of the local investors Prime Minister Briceño named last Friday to manage a hydroelectric company. ‘Even if we accept the acquisition, we must reject the reckless plan to divest the very assets we have just bought,’ Faber stated. He argued that institutions like Social Security, Credit Unions, and commercial banks lack the necessary experience to run such a complex operation. Government Senator Hector Guerra countered, emphasizing the potential benefits for Belizean investors. ‘It will open doors for Belizean people, ensuring they can invest in a critical asset and expect returns,’ Guerra asserted. He highlighted the excess liquidity in the banking sector as an opportunity for broader public investment. The debate underscores the deep divisions over the government’s strategy to manage Belize’s energy assets.