Opposition Questions Telecom Acquisition Secrecy

The Leader of the Opposition says Belizeans are hearing credible reports that Belize Telemedia Limited has quietly finalized acquisitions involving SMART, Centaur and NexGen, raising concerns that the public is being excluded from decisions with national consequences.

Opposition Leader Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton said the reported developments suggest a pattern in which major transactions are handled without openness or public accountability. She contended that what is unfolding is not nation building, but decisions involving large sums and wide impact being made behind closed doors.

In her statement, Panton emphasized that telecommuni-cations is national infrastructure, affecting national security, public safety, business continuity, consumer rights and the cost of living. She argued that any transaction reshaping the sector must be conducted openly, with scrutiny, safeguards and documented terms.

She said Belizeans should not have to learn of major national transactions through reports and rumor, while government actions remain undisclosed. Panton maintained that assurances framed as being in the public interest are insufficient without transparency.

The Opposition Leader stated that the United Democratic Party will pursue every lawful avenue to compel the government to be transparent and accountable.