BELIZE CITY – Senior figures within Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) have launched a fierce condemnation of the proposed acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet (Smart) by state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), labeling the arrangement as a blatant act of corruption and a financial bailout for private interests.
During a recent appearance on the ‘Open Your Eyes’ program, UDP Leader Tracy Panton delivered a scathing assessment of the transaction. ‘Regardless of how attractively this proposal is packaged, it represents corruption at the highest level, executed brazenly before the public eye,’ Panton asserted. She projected that the acquisition would impose a substantial financial burden on Belizean taxpayers, estimating costs between $80 and $100 million, while suggesting the primary beneficiaries would be the Briceno family.
Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang echoed these concerns, accusing BTL of consistently ‘moving the goalposts’ to manufacture public acceptance. Chang highlighted critical transparency deficits, revealing that UDP officials have been denied access to corporate financial records and valuation documentation. ‘We demand full disclosure of the accounting books and concrete financial figures,’ Chang insisted.
The opposition parliamentarian characterized BTL’s evolving proposal as ‘increasingly sweetened’ to gain approval, while questioning the ethical standing of securing endorsement from within the governing party. Chang advocated for democratic resolution through a national referendum.
Both politicians raised alarms about potential anti-competitive consequences and market monopoly creation. Panton specifically referenced the competitive threat posed by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, noting Belize’s technological limitations in matching such advanced infrastructure. ‘This acquisition essentially constitutes a bailout operation designed for private benefit rather than public interest,’ Panton concluded.
Chang further criticized regulatory oversight mechanisms, describing both the Public Utilities Commission and BTL’s board as ineffectual entities comprised of ‘handpicked’ representatives.
The UDP leadership defended their recent protest demonstration at BTL headquarters as legitimate ‘good trouble’ and necessary civil disobedience to demand governmental transparency. ‘We remain committed to continuing lawful protests and advocacy efforts to maintain pressure on this administration,’ Panton affirmed.