UDP Condemns Government’s Telecom Switch, Cites Potential Nationalization Sabotage

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has weighed in on the government’s switch from digi to Smart.  The party placed its opposition on record, via a release, vehemently condemning what they call is the government’s sabotage of Belize’s national telecom company, DIGI.  The release notes, quote, “the nationalization of our public Utilities remains a hallmark of the 2008-2020 Barrow administration which worked arduously to regain control of our electricity, water and telecommunication companies ….. Since taking office in 2020, the Government of Belize has continuously deprived itself of profits by taking away millions in contracts for services to government departments and awarding them to SMART (Speednet Ltd.), which by all accounts is a company owned by principals of the Briceno family … This year’s budget reflects that Digi is on the verge of bankruptcy due to government’s continued practice of depriving the state owned company of lucrative contracts to provide telecommunications services to ministry departments and statutory bodies …. we call on all social partners to join us in registering discontent about this corrupt practice and also in demanding that the Government seize and desist from this practice that jeopardizes the future of telecommunications and the quality of life of Belizeans.”  End of quote.