In a significant political development, United Democratic Party Leader Tracy Panton has established firm conditions regarding the proposed BTL telecommunications deal while confirming a high-level meeting with business magnate Lord Michael Ashcroft. The opposition party asserts it will not support any public acquisition that materially affects public interest or creates monopolistic market conditions.
The meeting between Panton, UDP Chair Sheena Pitts, and Ashcroft—whose Waterloo Group Charitable Trust holds a commanding 77% stake in telecommunications provider Smart—represents a strategic move by the opposition to position itself as a government-in-waiting. Panton characterized the discussion as transparent dialogue necessary for responsible governance.
Addressing monopoly concerns, Panton drew parallels to existing utility monopolies in electricity and water services, acknowledging that small market economies sometimes necessitate single providers due to population size constraints. However, she maintained the UDP’s unequivocal opposition to telecommunications monopolization that could harm public interests.
In a revealing development, Panton disclosed that BTL’s chairman has subsequently sought emergency meetings with opposition figures—a move she characterized as reactive rather than proactive. The UDP leader framed her engagement with all investors as essential preparation for national leadership, emphasizing her right to determine appropriate meeting schedules and venues as the prospective prime minister.