BELIZE CITY — Under torrential rain and mounting frustration, former Belize Telemedia Limited employees have resumed picketing operations, demanding severance payments they assert are rightfully earned after decades of dedicated service. Despite vocal endorsements from Prime Minister Johnny Briceño and Labor Minister Kareem Musa, members of the Belize Communication Workers for Justice collective declare that political rhetoric has proven insufficient—now requiring concrete action.
The protest assembly predominantly comprises elderly former employees, many confronting significant health challenges, who remain steadfast in their demand for compensation. Their unified message resonates clearly through the downpour: immediate payment of outstanding severance packages.
Emily Turner, lead organizer for Belize Communication Workers for Justice, articulated the group’s skepticism toward governmental assurances. “Unless BTL demonstrates tangible action, the Prime Minister’s statements remain merely verbal expressions,” Turner stated. “The board operating under his authority disregards his directives, opting instead to postpone deliberations until subsequent meetings. Our continued presence here underscores that words without implementation yield no results.”
The human narrative behind the protest banners reveals profound personal struggles. Leticia Reyes, a twenty-six-year BTL veteran who provided essential Spanish-language emergency services, now battles severe health complications including multiple strokes and cardiac conditions. “My medical needs are urgent,” Reyes explained. “Previous requests for assistance from BTL received no response. This severance represents survival funding for my impending heart surgery.”
Patricia Bradley, seventeen-year BTL veteran, described how her post-retirement restaurant venture collapsed during COVID-19 lockdowns. Now working as a caregiver, Bradley emphasized: “We sacrificed family events, holidays, and personal safety during hurricanes. Our youth and dedication built this company—now we require compensation to rebuild our lives.”
Gregory Bennett, an eleven-year test officer who witnessed BTL’s technological evolution, expressed outrage over the company’s priorities: “They plan to invest $80 million in acquisitions while ignoring former employees. My severance would enable educational advancement and vehicle purchase at sixty years old.”
The collective has vowed to maintain continuous protest presence until full severance disbursement occurs, maintaining that delayed justice effectively constitutes denied justice for Belize’s telecommunications pioneers.