Tracy Panton Accuses PM of Politicizing BTL Acquisition Process

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has weighed in on the recent press release issued by the PUP Northern Caucus in support of the proposed acquisition involving Belize Telemedia Limited.  Speaking to the media, Panton accused the Prime Minister of politicizing what she says should be an independent and transparent regulatory process. According to the Opposition Leader, the release signals desperation on the part of Prime Minister John Briceño, whom she claims is leaning on members of his Northern Caucus to publicly push the acquisition.  Panton argued that the involvement of political caucuses undermines assurances previously given by Cabinet to step aside and allow consultations and regulatory oversight to take their course. She maintains that the matter should be left to the Public Utilities Commission and other relevant authorities, without political pressure being applied through party statements.  The Opposition Leader further contended that the release raises concerns about fairness and transparency, particularly given the potential implications of the acquisition for competition, consumers, and national interests.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “What is signals to me is that there is serious internal conflict with in the PUP for the Prime Minister to have to lean on his northern caucus to support this deal is clearly an indication of that. And yes you answered yourself it is politicizing of a national issue. I’ve often said and I said this morning on Channel 5 in fact that we have a political prerogative. The opposition has a political prerogative as does the government but this issue is not a political issue it’s a national issue. When you attempt to burden the working class with an additional hundred million or more for an acquisition for which no valid information has been provided to the citizens who happen to be the owners of this public entity then something is absolutely wrong.”

Panton reiterated that decisions of such national importance must be handled through proper consultation and due process, warning that political interference could erode public trust in the outcome of the proposed acquisition.