And in other news, while there has been no public confirmation that BTL will be acquiring Speednet and a trio of cable companies, we are reliably informed that the acquisition is imminent. Today we asked the PM for a timeline, to which he again said he has absolutely no involvement - even though his family owns or part owns multiple companies in the bundle on the table.
In fact he claims he didn't even know that his family - who owns Speednet - stands to make as much as 50 million dollars.
Courtney Menzies:
"Is there a timeline for the BTL acquisition of Speednet?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I don't know you'd have to ask the people at BTL."
Courtney Menzies:
"Sir, but what would be the public explanation considering that it is a conflict of interest with BTL and Speednet being owned by your family members?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"So then why did you ask me that question if you feel it is a conflict of interest? I have said already that I am not involved with it and if you want to know from the personal or from the business side of my family, you need to go and speak to them don't speak to me about it, and I'm saying it very respectfully. I have said that BTL whilst it is own by the government, BTL, BEL and BWSL are private companies and I am certain should that happen, I don't know if it will happen, should that happen, they will be required to give a full explanation to the people of this country and to make the case that it is something that is in the interest of the company."
Courtney Menzies:
"The optics of it though looks bad, your family stands to make over 50 million dollars."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"How much?"
Courtney Menzies:
"As much as 50 million."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I think I need to go and fight with my brother because I know no such thing."
