Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has issued a strong condemnation against protestors who allegedly engaged in unauthorized entry at its corporate headquarters in Belize City on January 27, 2026. The telecommunications company characterized the incident as unlawful trespassing that disrupted normal business operations.
The demonstration, organized primarily by the United Democratic Party (UDP) with participation from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTCUB) and its members, was staged in opposition to BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited (SMART). According to the company’s official statement, while BTL acknowledges the right to lawful protest, certain individuals crossed boundaries by entering the secured compound without authorization and resisting police intervention.
The timing of the protest coincided with a scheduled Board of Directors meeting that BTL claims was significantly disrupted. The company revealed that the board was convening to address critical human resources matters, including implementation of a severance decision previously issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice on November 5, 2025. BTL described the protestors’ actions as not only regrettable but counterproductive to legitimate business proceedings.
In its statement, BTL emphasized zero tolerance for intimidation tactics or unlawful entry, affirming that board meetings would proceed as planned regardless of external pressure. The company asserted that directors yielding to intimidation would constitute a breach of their fiduciary duties to exercise independent judgment, ultimately acting against the interests of BTL and its shareholders.
The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding BTL’s expansion strategy through the SMART acquisition, demonstrating the intersection of corporate governance, labor concerns, and political activism in Belize’s telecommunications sector.