Another hot issue on the table at their first board meeting was one that is undoubtedly on the mind's of many other Belizeans - Net Vasquez's credit card conundrum.
As has been widely reported, Vasquez is accused of racking up a bill of over $800,000 during his tenure as chairman of BTL. This amount included not just his credit card charges, but over $29,000 for fuel, over $22,000 for insurance premiums and over $122,000 for Tropical Vision's outstanding telephone bill.
These are the findings of a special audit and investigation that had already been launched by BTL's interim chairman, Allan Slusher.
And while some of the figures are in dispute, the new chairman, Mark Lizarraga, told us that while he has only been briefed on the details of the investigation, his main priority is recovering the funds.
And that he will. He confirmed with the media today that Vasquez has agreed to pay back the money - but the question still remains whether there will be any criminal charges levied:
Markhelm Lizarraga, Chairman, BTL
"I'm aware of the matter, it is a matter that is in the hands of attorneys, I understand that we have a commitment that the monies will be repaid, and it's just the transaction details that are being requested for verification of amounts I guess and we're sending over all the bank statements, etc, which we have records for but I understand that a commitment has been made to repay."
"My understanding is that a letter did come from their attorneys and an acknowledgement was made that look you know we're going to settle this thing we just want a breakdown of what they are, that kinda thing."
"I certainly hear the cry of the people and I think this is a process that is going to take its course, I wish I could tell you more about it, the meetings that I've had that this matter has come up, to be honest with you, primarily focused on recovery. At some stage I guess we're going to have to get guidance and counsel as to whether they were in fact breach of laws as well so I think that's a different matter."
As for BTL's advertising contract with Channel 7 - Lizarraga also confirmed that it has been cancelled and the company has committed to settling the balance - which we can confirm tonight, should be completed shortly.
