This afternoon the Chamber's Executive led by its president held a press briefing via zoom to discuss what prompted the strongly worded release. We asked the President Giacomo Sanchez first why there's no mention in the release of the Cable companies being acquired:
Giacomo Sanchez, President, BCCI
"And so I know that in the press release you mentioned only smart, but is there a reason that you guys left out the acquisition of the three cable companies? There's no like, like, we've indicated already, earlier that, we're operating with, perhaps almost two arms, manner about because in terms of current information, in terms of the, the for the depth of the current transaction, and so we don't know the details of what is included in the package or excluded from the package."
"Okay. And secondly, we know that the more detail board meets tomorrow. Is there anything that you guys will do to try to stop this from happening? You know, you issued a pretty bold statement today, and so is there anything that you guys will do to try to stop this? No, no, I believe, the this was put out in the open so that even, those transaction, transacting, have a side of our position and perhaps, this will give governments, pause that that is our hope at this point."
Chamber representatives questioned whether a transaction of such national significance could proceed without the Belizean public being informed beforehand, noting that while existing structures may not legally prevent a buyer and seller from moving forward, the absence of early safeguards and dialogue could have far-reaching implications for the economy. The media pressed the Chamber reps to be more:
Reporter:
"All of this is happening in secrecy right now. Do you actually expect that BTL being or having government shares will not probably come to the public? Should there be consultation? All of those, guard rails to use your words. that should be there from the very beginning. This would be a very significant move if it actually goes through."
Giacomo Sanchez, President, BCCI
"Do you consider that the that BTL could I actually make the purchase without telling the people anything? I'll just come afterwards and publicize it. If you examine our system and structured, there's nothing preventing in this instance, the buyer and seller from engaging and proceeding with this transaction. At least what we're doing from a chamber standpoint is putting on record, some of what the implications of what we see coming should certain, actions, not be taken. So, I mean, that's the short answer to, to to that question."
Reporter:
"So then based on that response, we would not see any legislation at all.
"
Giacomo Sanchez, President, BCCI
"We can only be hopeful."
Reporter:
"Well, I, I think it's really significant. Looking back at years past where the chamber has joined with other, civil society organizations to meet its opposition, known to the government to meet demands. And I'm not hearing that from you today."
Giacomo Sanchez, President, BCCI
"I think if you that maybe you, may have overlooked it in the release, but it it is it is saying, that and, and all we can continue doing is advocating for the best position that puts, the players within our economy in a good position. Whether it's businesses or individual interests, particularly when it comes to the telecommunication industry in Billings"
The Chamber expressed that even though it has not occured, this is some sort of warning.
