Independent Senators Outline Concerns Over Telecom Monopoly in BTL-SMART Deal

The independent senators came together this afternoon to publicly outline their concerns regarding Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited, better known as SMART. The joint press conference was held at 1:00 p.m. at the Belize National Teachers Union conference room in Belize City and brought together the four non-government senators, each speaking from the perspective of their respective social partners.  Opening the press conference was Senator Reverend Louis Wade Jr., who represents the churches. Wade explained that while the senators ultimately presented a united front, each of them carried out their own independent assessments of the proposed acquisition before coming together to share their collective views.  Senator Wade spoke on several angles, and cautioned strongly against any move that could return Belize to a telecommunications monopoly, stating that such a direction is not one he is willing to support or encourage. He also underscored the importance of the role of the so-called 13th Senator, noting that the position exists precisely for moments of national importance where independent judgment is required. Perhaps most notably, Wade referred to the current chairman of Belize Telemedia Limited, Mark Lizarraga, pointing out that having previously served in the Senate, Lizarraga was known for being firm and uncompromising during legislative debates. While he did not mention the chairman by name, the reference was widely understood.

Rev’d Louis Wade, Churches Senator: “I believe that the architect or the person who is leading this initiative, he was once a senator. And so we must speak because the person who in my belief is the architect or the pushing, this deal that Belizeans are vocally rejecting and actively rejecting, once sat as an independent senator. And it is my personal belief that if he had the information that we have, and if he sat where we sit today, I believe that he would be with us rejecting this deal. That is the chairman of the board that I know, former mayor, former senator, former chairman of the People’s Constitution Commission, Anthony Chanona. Senator Anthony Chanona was sitting in Senate almost two decades ago when this matter came from the lower house, it came to the upper house as it relates to the PUC. And I know my colleague will go into all the details of what we believe the PUC should be doing but at that point in time, the PUC was more independent than it is today. And when that legislation went from the lower house to the upper house, I mean, even though he sat on the government side, he was willing to resign and to remove his position because he couldn’t move this legislation forward because he felt at the time that it would have placed the PUC and its fiduciary duty in jeopardy. And I think 20 years later, history vindicates him because we sit and we see a PUC that is struggling to make a decision because of governmental power. And I’m asking myself, so where is today’s G7 and where are today’s people who can stand upon principle and say, “This is not good for Belize.” 

Senator Kevin Herrera, who represents the private sector, focused his remarks on the Telecommunications Act and the liberalization of Belize’s telecoms market. Herrera said that based on the existing legal framework, he finds it extremely difficult to see how the proposed acquisition can proceed without running afoul of the law. He also questioned the credibility of some of the voices pushing the acquisition, noting that several of those advocating for the deal have since been discredited.

Senator Kevin Herrera, Chamber of Commerce and Industry: “In my view, I think that there is a tremendous difficulty that BTL or anyone including the Public Utilities Commission will have in taking this through given how the Telecommunications Act is structured. And so I believe that that is really where I am on the issue. I know that there are many, many other issues related to it. I think that there are serious questions related to those who are proposing and promoting this acquisition. I think that that entire group I believe were very discredited from the time they were proposing, in addition to the acquisition of SpeedNet, the cable companies at $90 million when I believe that those companies based on some of the sales values I’ve seen for some of them could not have been worth more than about $15-$20 million. And so even that, you know, to me is completely discrediting of the entire group in terms of who are promoting this.”

NGO Senator Janelle Chanona took a more measured position, emphasizing the need for broader and more meaningful consultation. Chanona made clear that her position does not automatically reject the idea of an acquisition, but she stressed that decisions of this magnitude require engagement with stakeholders, consumers, and other interested groups before any final determination is made.

Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator: “We continue to advocate for meaningful consultation. We believe this issue, this discussion, this national conversation is a prime case study for use of a transparent mechanism so that we can be accountable to the people and say this is where the public stands on this and therefore this is the decision being made. That consultation must be meaningful. We have certainly been aware of various press releases from various entities having had the benefit of a presentation. We certainly have shared our individual questions on this and there has been no response via the public domain or directly to us. And I think it is important for us as citizens to embrace our role in this given the implications or the potential implications. And I don’t know about you, but when toothpaste comes out of the tube you can’t put it back in. So precautionary approach and making sure that we’re going into this decision and decisions of this nature, national decisions, informed and confident, and making sure that we are putting forward the best interests of the nation. So this would be our continued position.”

Representing the unions, Senator Glenfield Dennison highlighted the consumer perspective, arguing that competition in the telecommunications sector has historically delivered better prices, improved service quality, and greater innovation. Dennison warned that weakening competition could ultimately harm consumers and workers alike.

Today’s press conference comes just hours ahead of planned protest action by the unions and the opposition, who are expected to demonstrate tomorrow morning outside the Social Security Board offices in Belize City./