BELIZE CITY – In a nuanced approach to corporate governance concerns, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has adopted a measured position regarding Markhelm Lizarraga’s involvement in Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) acquisition negotiations. While opposition groups demand stricter oversight and resignation calls, the nation’s primary labor federation has strategically declined to join demands for Lizarraga’s resignation, instead advocating for his recusal from the specific negotiation process.
NTUCB President Ella Waight clarified the organization’s stance in a recent statement, emphasizing fiscal pragmatism. “The NTUCB on a whole has not asked for his resignation,” Waight asserted. “We have never said that the NTUCB has declared he should resign. There are different persons, different unions under the NTUCB that would have expressed that view individually.”
The union’s position stems from practical financial considerations rather than full endorsement of Lizarraga’s leadership. Waight highlighted potential costs associated with executive resignation, noting that “the gentleman is not making a little bit of money as we all know. We have to be concerned about that. We do not want any more additional costs on the taxpayer of this country.”
Instead, the NTUCB has specifically expressed lack of confidence in Lizarraga leading the acquisition initiative and formally requested his removal from these particular negotiations. This distinction allows the union to maintain pressure for ethical governance while avoiding potential financial repercussions for taxpayers.
The development occurs alongside Centaur’s announcement that it “brings the discussions to a close at this time” with BTL, indicating significant ongoing corporate developments within Belize’s telecommunications sector. The NTUCB’s carefully calibrated position reflects the complex balance between accountability concerns and economic practicalities in the nation’s business landscape.