In a recent address, Andrew Marshalleck, Chairman of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), shed light on the recurring phenomenon of utilities oscillating between public and private ownership across the Caribbean and Central America. Marshalleck, an Attorney-At-Law, emphasized that this cycle is not unique to Belize but is a regional trend observed in critical sectors such as water, telecommunications, and energy. He cited examples like the Belize Water Services (BWS), Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), and BEL itself, which have all experienced shifts in ownership over time. Marshalleck explained that this cycle is driven by two primary factors: equality and efficiency. While privatization often prioritizes profitability, nationalization considers broader societal benefits. He noted that this dynamic is particularly evident in the case of natural resources and infrastructure, such as dams and ports, which have also seen ownership changes. Marshalleck’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the economic and social forces shaping the region’s utility sectors.