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In a robust defense of his company’s expansion strategy, BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga has characterized the telecommunications provider’s acquisition push as an economic imperative rather than merely competitive consolidation. The executive’s comments come amid mounting scrutiny regarding market transparency and competition concerns within the sector.

Lizarraga articulated that BTL’s substantial investment of approximately $100 million in fiber-to-the-home infrastructure has created a comprehensive network backbone reaching 85-90% of households nationwide. This existing infrastructure, he argued, positions the company to efficiently integrate smaller providers who primarily manage the ‘last mile’ connections to individual homes.

‘The fundamental economic rationale revolves around eliminating redundant infrastructure duplication,’ Lizarraga explained. ‘We’ve already deployed the primary pipeline infrastructure throughout communities. Many smaller operators utilize these pathways for their final connection services. Our acquisition strategy focuses on obtaining established customer bases and their accompanying cash flows rather than constructing competing infrastructure.’

The Chairman emphasized that this approach maximizes the utility of BTL’s existing capital investments while generating necessary revenue to maintain and expand essential service infrastructure. ‘We’re essentially purchasing customer relationships and sustainable revenue streams to optimize our current network capacity,’ Lizarraga stated. ‘This economic model ensures we can continue providing robust telecommunications services without wasteful infrastructure duplication.’

BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga has publicly addressed growing concerns regarding the company’s lack of transparency in ongoing business negotiations, citing binding non-disclosure agreements as the primary constraint. Speaking on January 9, 2026, Lizarraga emphasized that while the press has circulated potentially inaccurate information, BTL remains legally prohibited from discussing specifics due to its status as a private company engaged in confidential dealings with other private entities.

The chairman explained that all company directors are bound by strict NDAs that prevent disclosure of negotiation details, though he attempted to provide context about the process without violating confidentiality. Lizarraga assured stakeholders that once negotiations conclude, BTL will provide full disclosure of the outcomes. His remarks highlighted the tension between corporate privacy requirements and public demand for transparency, particularly noting his wish that media organizations were similarly bound by non-disclosure agreements.

The statement comes amid increasing public scrutiny of BTL’s operations and follows recent developments including Zach Reich’s withdrawn complaint, though the chairman did not directly address whether these events were connected to the current negotiations. Lizarraga concluded by asking for understanding and respect for the confidential nature of the proceedings while promising future transparency upon completion of the process.

Belize’s crucial sugar industry is preparing to commence operations on January 19th following a critical one-year extension of the Commercial Agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries. This development brings much-needed clarity to agricultural stakeholders after a period of severe challenges that brought the nation’s sugar sector to the verge of collapse.

The upcoming season signals potential recovery after multiple compounding difficulties including climate change impacts, persistent crop diseases, and mounting operational pressures that have severely affected production. Last season’s harvest was particularly devastated by fusarium, a destructive fungal pathogen that substantially diminished yields and placed enormous financial strain on local farmers.

Industry leadership expresses cautious optimism about the forthcoming season. Alfredo Ortega, Vice-Chairman of the BSCFA, noted that early interventions implemented in August have significantly reduced the severity of fusarium’s impact compared to the previous year when the damage was identified too late in October. Farmers anticipate both increased cane volume and improved quality this season.

Final preparations are currently underway across the production chain. While farmers report readiness in the fields, attention now turns to infrastructure with the condition of sugar roads remaining a concern. Salvador Martin, BSCFA Chairman, emphasized that the tentative start date depends on successful steam trials at the milling facility and government action on road maintenance. Provided these final requirements are met, rows of cane trucks are expected to begin lining up at Tower Hill on the scheduled date, marking a hopeful new beginning for Belize’s agricultural economy.