Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has publicly countered allegations from the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), asserting that all court-mandated severance obligations have been fully satisfied. The telecommunications provider maintains that payments ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice have been completely disbursed, while additional settlements for qualifying former employees under Section 183 of the Labour Act are currently being processed.
At a recent press conference, BTL’s Internal Legal Counsel Kileru Awich characterized the severance issue as having ‘evolved significantly’ since November 2025. The company initially limited payments to former employees within a six-year limitation period but has since expanded its position to include earlier separations. This shift in policy, according to Awich, fundamentally alters the calculation considerations, particularly regarding interest payments.
The negotiation impasse centers on whether interest should apply to outstanding severance amounts. Chief Human Resource Officer Kendra Santos stated that while BTL maintains no legal obligation to pay interest for out-of-court settlements, the company has offered to pay interest dating from November 2025—the benchmark established in the CCJ ruling. This concession, Santos emphasized, represents a premium beyond statutory requirements and reflects the company’s commitment to equitable resolution.
BTL strongly refutes characterizations of bad-faith negotiation, noting that their position consistently improved throughout discussions without withdrawal from the bargaining table. The company attributes the breakdown to fundamental differences in negotiation approach and expectations regarding court-equivalent settlements outside judicial proceedings.
With direct negotiations suspended, BTL is now encouraging former employees to pursue claims individually through direct communication channels, asserting that the BCWJ’s representation is no longer necessary to access approved severance packages.