Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has escalated tensions with labor representatives by issuing a formal cease-and-desist warning to former union leader Emily Turner. The telecommunications company alleges that comments made by Turner during a Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ) press conference could be interpreted as encouraging operational interference with BTL’s infrastructure.
In a strongly worded legal communication dated January 30, 2026, BTL asserted that Turner’s remarks might inspire actions that could disrupt network operations and service delivery. The company emphasized that any compromise of its systems would jeopardize essential public services, violate legal obligations, and cause significant commercial harm.
The confrontation stems from recent comments about ‘pulling plugs’ on BTL operations, which company executives interpreted as potentially incendiary. BTL’s letter demands immediate cessation of such rhetoric and threatens formal legal proceedings should the behavior continue.
In response, both Turner and Michael Augustus—another former Belize Communication Workers Union president—vehemently denied advocating infrastructure damage. Augustus characterized the company’s response as disproportionate, stating: ‘There is nothing about destroying infrastructure—something we built. We are into new houses. Why would we destroy our new house?’
Turner, who dedicated 24 years to BTL, expressed disappointment at the allegations: ‘I started when I was only twenty-seven years old. There is no way I want to destroy that.’ She described the legal warning as ‘an overreaction from a very scared executive team.’
BCWJ leadership maintains that their comments were misinterpreted, emphasizing their historical role in building the company’s infrastructure and their commitment to preserving rather than damaging corporate assets. The union representatives suggest the company’s aggressive stance reflects executive anxiety rather than factual grounds for legal action.