UDP’s Tracy Panton Vows Continued Fight Against BTL-SMART Acquisition

Moments after tensions eased outside the Belize Telemedia Limited compound, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton addressed supporters, taking up a megaphone and vowing that the United Democratic Party will continue to oppose the proposed acquisition of SMART by BTL.

Speaking directly to the crowd, Panton described today’s protest as only the first stage of a wider political battle, warning that the UDP will not relent in its efforts to block the acquisition.  Panton told supporters that while no deal was signed today, the issue remains unresolved, and she pledged that the opposition will continue to apply pressure through political, legal, and public channels.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “And for us, this is just round one.”

Reporter: Why did you all see the need to take it this far ?

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition:  “Why do we have to take it this far? You have the audacity to ask this question?  You have the audacity as a member of the independent media to ask why we have to take it this far ? You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait for round two. This, I say again, is only round one. We will stay the course. This BTL acquisition of SMART is a bad deal. This is but phase one. We have phase two and phase three and phase four and as many phases as is necessary until they get the message. No to corruption. No to a monopoly. No to BTL acquisition of Smart. No to saddling the Belizean people with another $80 million dollars in debt! The answer is no! No! No!”

Supporters responded with chants as Panton concluded her remarks, reinforcing the opposition’s message that resistance to the proposed acquisition is far from over.  As of this evening, the proposed BTL acquisition remains on the table, and the government has not announced its next steps.