BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly addressed the escalating controversy surrounding the proposed acquisition of Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), following a contentious Cabinet meeting with telecom executives that has ignited widespread public concern.
In a brief encounter with journalists on January 29, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to due process while facing pointed questions about growing opposition from multiple sectors. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB), independent senators, and opposition parties have all voiced strong objections to the proposed consolidation.
Prime Minister Briceño clarified his position, stating, ‘I have consistently maintained that we reside in a democratic nation where peaceful protest represents a constitutional right, provided it remains within legal boundaries.’
When pressed about his perceived endorsement of the acquisition, Briceño offered a nuanced clarification: ‘My position has been mischaracterized. I have not publicly endorsed the deal but rather advocated for allowing the established process to proceed unimpeded. The BTL leadership presented their case to Cabinet for approximately two and a half hours, addressing all ministerial inquiries to our satisfaction.’
The Prime Minister highlighted the financial implications for national institutions, revealing a critical detail: ‘Social Security currently receives approximately a two percent return on its investment in BTL. Projections indicate this could increase to nine percent through industry consolidation, ultimately benefiting all contributors to the system.’
Briceño concluded by emphasizing the board’s fiduciary responsibilities and explicitly stated that BTL would not assume any of Speednet’s existing liabilities, characterizing the transaction as primarily involving cash flow assets. The Prime Minister terminated the questioning session, expressing frustration with what he characterized as media misinterpretation of his previous statements.