分类： business

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has issued a forceful condemnation following a morning protest that saw demonstrators forcibly enter the company’s private compound. In an official statement released January 27, 2026, the telecommunications provider characterized the incident as unlawful trespassing that created unsafe conditions for both staff and customers.

The company revealed that while a scheduled board meeting was occurring on premises, the gathering was unrelated to the proposed Speednet acquisition that allegedly motivated the protest. Instead, the meeting focused exclusively on internal human-resource matters stemming from a 2025 judicial decision.

BTL asserted that the protest intentionally disrupted normal business operations in what appeared to be an attempt to pressure board members into relinquishing their governance responsibilities—a course of action the company firmly rejects. Describing the events as “regrettable and counterproductive,” BTL emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward intimidation or harassment of directors and employees.

The telecommunications firm is now collaborating with law enforcement authorities to address the security breach. In a significant escalation of rhetoric, BTL warned that such incidents extend beyond mere business disruption, potentially jeopardizing national economic security by undermining stable corporate operations.

A significant leadership crisis is unfolding at Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), the nation’s state-owned telecommunications provider, as internal pressures escalate against Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga. The Belize Communications Workers for Justice has publicly demanded Lizarraga’s immediate resignation, citing a complete breakdown of trust, transparency, and corporate accountability under his stewardship.

The controversy centers on two critical issues that have eroded confidence in BTL’s leadership. First, the company’s refusal to fully implement a Caribbean Court of Justice ruling mandating that severance payments be treated separately from pension benefits and distributed to all eligible former employees. This legal stance has created substantial tension between management and workforce representatives.

Second, the union has identified what it characterizes as a glaring conflict of interest in BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet, further complicating the governance landscape. The situation has reached a tipping point with former BCWU President Michael Augustus revealing that Lizarraga previously advocated for these very worker benefits while in opposition to the United Democratic Party government.

Augustus recounted Lizarraga’s earlier position: “He had a meeting in our office against then the United Democratic Party and its government. And was telling us that all these same things that we are demanding, including severance, was due to us.” This historical context underscores the union’s allegations of hypocrisy and conflict of interest, with Augustus concluding that Lizarraga “need to” resign from his position of authority.

The growing discontent signals deeper structural issues within Belize’s telecommunications sector and raises questions about corporate governance standards in state-owned enterprises. As calls for resignation intensify, all stakeholders await BTL’s response to these serious allegations that threaten to destabilize the organization’s leadership framework.

A significant internal division has emerged within Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) between former employees and current staff regarding the company’s proposed consolidation with Speednet. The Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ), representing ex-employees, has publicly opposed the acquisition, while an internal company poll reveals overwhelming support (79%) among current employees for the merger.

The situation is further complicated by the conspicuous silence of the Belize Communication Workers Union (BCWU), which represents current staff, regarding former workers’ ongoing severance dispute. This silence persists despite a definitive ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice in favor of the former employees. Multiple attempts to obtain comments from current BCWU leadership have been unsuccessful.

Two former BCWU presidents provided insight into the union’s cautious stance. Emily Turner suggested that current union leadership faces legitimate fears of workplace victimization should they speak out, noting that corporate restructuring measures “will surely affect them” based on historical precedents.

Michael Augustus offered a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging potential disappointment in the union’s silence while expressing understanding of their strategic position. He warned about “vindictive people” in BTL’s upper management who might retaliate against current employees supporting the severance fight, potentially even threatening pension benefits. Augustus maintained hope that internal support remains available when critically needed, noting “we still have some plug pullers in there.”

The growing chasm within the BTL organization highlights the complex dynamics between corporate consolidation, worker solidarity, and the very real fears of retaliation that silence union representation during critical negotiations.

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has issued a strong condemnation against protestors who allegedly engaged in unauthorized entry at its corporate headquarters in Belize City on January 27, 2026. The telecommunications company characterized the incident as unlawful trespassing that disrupted normal business operations.

The demonstration, organized primarily by the United Democratic Party (UDP) with participation from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTCUB) and its members, was staged in opposition to BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited (SMART). According to the company’s official statement, while BTL acknowledges the right to lawful protest, certain individuals crossed boundaries by entering the secured compound without authorization and resisting police intervention.

The timing of the protest coincided with a scheduled Board of Directors meeting that BTL claims was significantly disrupted. The company revealed that the board was convening to address critical human resources matters, including implementation of a severance decision previously issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice on November 5, 2025. BTL described the protestors’ actions as not only regrettable but counterproductive to legitimate business proceedings.

In its statement, BTL emphasized zero tolerance for intimidation tactics or unlawful entry, affirming that board meetings would proceed as planned regardless of external pressure. The company asserted that directors yielding to intimidation would constitute a breach of their fiduciary duties to exercise independent judgment, ultimately acting against the interests of BTL and its shareholders.

The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding BTL’s expansion strategy through the SMART acquisition, demonstrating the intersection of corporate governance, labor concerns, and political activism in Belize’s telecommunications sector.

In a significant stride toward sustainable energy transformation, Belize has formally initiated development of a nationwide solar power infrastructure project. The ambitious endeavor, a collaborative effort between Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national government, and the International Finance Corporation, aims to establish up to 80 megawatts of large-scale solar generation capacity across multiple strategic locations.

The project advancement commenced with BEL’s issuance of a formal ‘Request for Prequalification’ on January 26th, 2026. This preliminary procurement phase seeks to identify and vet qualified private sector entities capable of developing solar installations at three to four designated sites throughout the country.

The operational framework will follow the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, wherein selected companies will assume full responsibility for financing, construction, ownership, and long-term operational management of the solar facilities. These private entities will maintain plant operations over a 25-year contractual period, with BEL committing to purchase the generated electricity through power purchase agreements.

This renewable energy initiative represents a cornerstone of Belize’s national energy strategy, which targets generating 75% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The solar expansion is projected to substantially diminish Belize’s reliance on imported electricity while simultaneously enhancing grid stability and power supply reliability for consumers nationwide.

The prequalification stage serves as the critical first filter in the competitive selection process. Only companies demonstrating robust technical expertise, financial capacity, and proven experience in utility-scale solar development will advance to the subsequent phase, where they will be invited to submit comprehensive project proposals.