Cabinet Staying Silent on Proposed BTL Acquisition of Smart

Minister of Immigration, Governance and Labour, Kareem Musa, says Cabinet has been deliberately reserved in its public commentary on the proposed acquisition, in an effort to remove any suspicions or perceptions that ministers are attempting to sway or influence the opinions and decisions of stakeholders, groups, or individuals.  Speaking with the media, Musa stressed that the Cabinet’s relative silence should not be interpreted as indecision, but rather as a conscious move to respect due process while sensitive consultations and regulatory reviews continue.  Musa explained that Cabinet has not yet issued a final determination on the matter, emphasizing that timing and procedure remain critical as the process unfolds.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration: “I think it is important to note because certain media houses have been stating that in effect the Prime Minister is influencing the decisions of the board and I think it is very important that Cabinet at this time, since it will not be the ones to make the decision but rather the board, that they do not in any way try to interfere or influence the decision of board members. If it is that cabinet says yes or no, that might have some impact, or at least the media might say that Cabinet is trying to intervene in the decision making process. And so that is why Cabinet made the decision that it will actually announce its position after consultations have concluded.”

Addressing concerns about regulatory oversight, Musa underscored the independence and authority of the Public Utilities Commission, noting that the PUC has the legal power to either approve or reject a merger after assessing all relevant factors. He added that this regulatory role is a key safeguard in ensuring transparency and fairness.  According to Musa, Belize Telemedia Limited appears confident in its legal standing regarding the proposed acquisition, but he reiterated that the final outcome will rest with the appropriate authorities following due diligence.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration: “As a regulator, it’s important for them to navigate through this process very efficiently. Like you rightly said, it’s a situation of going back to one service provider. They seem to think based on their legal opinion, BTL that is, that they are in a firm position, firm legal standing when it comes to that and so they do not expect any pushback or legal challenge. So that is something to consider though, you’re perfectly right.”

Reporter: Would they not have to get written permission or some type of in writing from PUC before the acquisition takes place?

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration: “I would have to check the legislation before giving an answer, I’m not sure.”

The minister’s comments come amid ongoing national debate over the proposed acquisition, as consultations continue and regulatory processes move forward./