Julius Espat disturbed by release from the PUP Northern Caucus

Meanwhile, the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Julius Espat, has voiced concerns over the statement made by the Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party regarding the proposed acquisition involving Belize Telemedia Limited.  Espat said the release conflicted with a Cabinet-level agreement for ministers to refrain from public positioning while consultations are still underway. He explained that this consensus was reached to avoid any perception of political persuasion and to allow regulators, stakeholders, and the public to engage meaningfully in the process.  The minister stressed that consultations are essential, particularly in a sector as critical as telecommunications, where competition plays a key role in protecting consumers, pricing, and service quality.

Espat also addressed discussions held at the Cabinet table, indicating that a presentation on the proposed acquisition was delivered and was generally received in a positive light. However, he cautioned that internal presentations alone are not sufficient to settle the matter.  He noted that Cabinet discussions on the issue have been intense, acknowledging that BTL feels very strongly about the acquisition. That reality, Espat said, further reinforces the need for thorough consultations before any final decision is taken.

As the consultation process continues, Espat reiterated that Cabinet’s responsibility is to safeguard transparency, uphold fair competition, and ensure that any outcome serves the broader national and consumer interest rather than political or corporate pressure./