And while Perriot and Usher doubt on Ashcroft's motives, earlier this week they were the ones sitting across the table from Ashcroft. As we reported, Ashcroft offered to lend them the money to buy 20% of the shares, while he would hold on to 12% and he would offer 5% for sale to the public. Doesn't sound like much a deal, but lead negotiator for the workers' ownership initiative, Perriot and Usher say they had to hear out both Ashcroft and Prosser.
Paul Perriot, BCWU President
"Yes we have met with Michael Ashcroft. He had called us in to two meetings so far talking about the same presentation, 20% to the employees, 5% to the public, and 12.5% of the 37% to him. It's still a presentation so far, we have not accepted the proposal. Jeffrey Prosser has also made proposals to us, not in the same details but trying to form some sort of alliance with the employees. I think we are in a key position right now as the you said Jules. We are key to the whole thing. The government cannot just pick up the shares and sell it to any entity other than starting out with the employees. At the end of the day we are in a key situation and he has said as long as we can find the funding it will be ours. So that is where we are right now, still looking at funding and trying to see how we can come out of this with something for the employees of BTL and the general public."
Mark Usher,
"I just want to say as far as talking to the two giants, I would prefer to use a different word but I would just say giant out of respect, talking to them in our view is just that - it doesn't hurt to listen. At the end of the day Jules if you remember probably two weeks ago we committed to the Belizean public on this station and on the radio that whatever it takes to solve the problem that BTL is creating as far as the national issue is concerned, if it means we have to sit and listen to both of them and try to see if we can do what GOB should be doing, that is silencing them to the point where the national issue of this country takes the forefront. If we have to help along there then that is what we are doing in listening. It by no means mean that we have conceded anything. I think our position was stated from then, and it still remains, we would prefer not to have an alliance with any of the two. We don't see any of them being beneficial for the company on a long term basis and by extension for the country of Belize."
Jules Vasquez,
You said you would prefer not to deal with them. But is there any room for compromise? The reality of it Mark is that you all are not international financiers, you all are unable to access tens of millions, this is about US$40 million that you need to find. You all are not people who have access to lines of credit that can bring this up in a week or two weeks. Might you have to make a compromise with Ashcroft just to get that capital?
Mark Usher,
"Well Jules we firmly believe that while initially at the face value a group of employees representing BTL might not be able to command that kind of capital but we firmly believe that with government's good faith and certain things being put in place, just starting with the 37% and further making sure the employee group get position on the board, we strongly believe that a structure can be put in place where we can attract the required funding. Jules all the research we have done so far have indicated that there are banks in Belize and beyond who would jump at the opportunity to fund and an employee buyout process that we are advocating and by extension the re-Belizeanation of this BTL company; we know that for a fact. All we need is to secure the control and the control is so easily secured if GOB would just be consistent with their good faith. They keep talking the rhetoric. All they have to do is consistently do it."
Jules Vasquez,
If it comes down to this Michael Ashcroft will presumably would be in a position to tell the government here's what I want, either you do it or you face x consequences and the union would say here is what you promised me. Which decision do you think the government of Belize will then make? The union or Ashcroft?
Paul Perriot,
"I think Jules that definitely in the national interest I think the government must look or should look at the union or at the employees of BTL or the general public on a whole. I think in the national interest BTL is the last straw. I think it is the last thing that they can sell."
Mark Usher,
"It is the last straw. Why? Because if that is the option the government has, it is clear that is the only solution, the only option, the only choice they should make is to tell the great capitalist Mr. Ashcroft and all the other capitalists who have the country in the position that it is in, because they have their self serving interests that they want to take care of at the expense of the masses. What Belizeans are saying to GOB rihgt now is we are tired of that. Do not continue to tell us that because Mr. Ashcroft or anybody else owns 50% of the financing market and he has this, x y z, that you the masses have to punish. He did not elect you, he is only one vote if he is a Belizean, we elected you. All 250,000 of us are saying to you GOB, and it doesn't matter which government it is, we're saying to the government as a people that the capitalists have to be put in check regardless of who they are."
