Opposition Leader Tracy Panton of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has declared her party’s intention to directly engage regulatory bodies regarding Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet (Smart). Panton emphasized that the UDP parliamentary caucus and leadership team will seek formal meetings with both the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Social Security Board to formally record their position on the telecommunications merger.
Panton delivered sharp criticism against the PUC, accusing the regulatory body of awaiting political directives rather than exercising its independent authority. She asserted that the commission possesses established legal frameworks that should guide its actions without requiring instructions from government officials. The opposition leader further questioned the impartiality of the PUC’s composition, noting that all members were appointed by the current Briceño administration, which she described as a matter of serious concern.
These developments follow last Friday’s announcement that merger discussions have been temporarily suspended following Prime Minister John Briceño’s intervention. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, informed the House of Representatives that the pause was implemented to facilitate public consultation and ensure proper legal procedures are followed. Chebat clarified that acquisitions of this magnitude necessitate preliminary review by the PUC, with formal submissions to be made pending approval from both the Social Security Board and BTL.
The UDP maintains its commitment to demanding rigorous oversight throughout the process, highlighting the transaction’s substantial financial implications and advocating for complete transparency in all proceedings. Panton concluded by reinforcing that existing laws clearly define the PUC’s responsibilities, making ministerial or prime ministerial instruction unnecessary for the commission to act in the public interest.