Social Partners Still Await Key Financial Reports on BTL-Smart Deal

Despite BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga’s declaration that an independent assessment has been conducted, the social partners say they are still awaiting the valuation reports and other requested financial information.  In a joint statement issued this afternoon, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize Network of NGOs, National Evangelical Association of Belize and National Trade Union Congress said their requests for financial statements, independent valuation reports and other data remain outstanding.  The statement follows an invitation from the Government for the BCCI and NTUCB to meet with Cabinet on Thursday. While welcoming dialogue, the social partners say all four organizations must be represented because they have been acting collectively on the proposed BTL acquisition of Speednet.  They are also requesting sufficient time to examine the outstanding information before participating in discussions with Cabinet.  The organizations further welcomed the Public Utilities Commission’s willingness to hold additional discussions but referred the regulator to the requests contained in their August 6 statement.  The latest position suggests that while BTL says an additional independent assessment has been completed, the social partners have not yet received the report for their own review.