A significant political controversy has erupted within Belize’s ruling People’s United Party as Northern Caucus members face internal discord regarding their purported unanimous endorsement of the contentious BTL-Speednet acquisition deal. The situation intensified when Belize Rural South Area Representative André Perez revealed he had neither attended the crucial meeting nor been informed about the caucus’s plan to publicly support the telecommunications merger.
The development emerges amid nationwide debates surrounding the proposed acquisition, which has generated substantial political tension and public concern. Perez stated he received notification merely two days prior about a Northern Caucus meeting featuring a presentation on the topic, but due to short notice, was unable to attend. He emphasized that he had no prior knowledge that the meeting would culminate in a formal declaration of support for the controversial deal.
The purported unanimous endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from within party ranks, notably from Cayo South Representative Julius Espat, who condemned the move as inappropriate political interference that undermines both public protests and official regulatory reviews. Perez maintained a measured stance, acknowledging that public consultations regarding the acquisition ‘could have been done better’ while noting that the Public Utilities Commission minister has since intervened to temporarily halt proceedings for further evaluation.
This internal conflict highlights growing tensions within the ruling party regarding appropriate procedures for addressing major national infrastructure decisions and raises questions about transparency in political caucus operations during sensitive policy deliberations.