Belize Telemedia was back in Magistrate’s Court today for not paying another amount of business tax. The company was summoned by the Income Tax Department for $2.3 million owed for May which was due on June 16th. Elson Kaseke appeared for Telemedia and Lois Young for government. Kaseke asked Revenue Magistrate Ed Usher for a 5 week grace period but Lois Young balked at that. She said Telemedia is stalling and has had enough time to pay and they should be given two more days at the most. Magistrate Usher thought it over and gave Telemedia until August 5th, which is one week to pay the $2.3 million. Luis Requena is the senior bailiff with the Income Tax Department and he says taking Telemedia to court is now just a part of the job.
Luis Requena, Senior Bailiff
“We brought BTL and other combined companies for business tax arrears owing for the month of May.”
Keith Swift,
When were these amounts due?
Luis Requena,
“Well these amounts were due by the 16th of June. They were not paid and as a result of it we issued them with judgement summons which were heard this morning as you all know. The total amount for the three of them would have been $2,200,000 or something like that.”
Keith Swift,
What was the outcome?
Luis Requena,
“I was accompanied by attorney at law Lois Young and we did well. We came victorious so that’s a plus for the Income Tax Department.”
Keith Swift,
Are you tired of coming to court for this because it is like you are here every month?
Luis Requena,
“Well we are not tired of coming to court, that is our duty.”
Keith Swift,
Keeping in mind that the tax for May was due on June 16th and we are now past July 16th so has June been paid yet?
Luis Requena,
“That is also outstanding.”
Keith Swift,
So you’ll be back in court for June?
Luis Requena,
“Well I should be back in court as soon as it is due. As you know it should be due on the 16th of July but we usually give them a grace period of thirty days before we proceed with court hearings. I am hoping that with this outcome they will come in and pay it.”
And so in about a month if they don’t pay, Telemedia’s lawyers probably will be back in court answering judgement summons.
