All the party's top leaders addressed the media today - and Lee Mark Chang tackled a very live issue: BTL's proposed acquisition of SMART/Speednet, Centaur Communications, Central Television and Internet and Southern Cable Network.
It's a major deal valued in the many tens of millions and it would create a national telecoms monopoly in BTL.
As we have reported - it's controversial because of the related party aspect: the Prime Minister's family businesses stand to benefit - and so does the company owned by the brother of BTL's chairman.
Chang said the proposed acquisitions do not serve the public interest:
Lee Mark Chang, UDP Area Rep., Mesop
"They want to force BTL, our company that is owned by 91% of Belizeans, to buy its competitors Smart, NextGen, and Centaur. They tell us it is a good deal for Belize. But if it's such a good deal, why all the secret?"
"Why they no just come out and tell everybody this thing is a good thing, you know? And this is how it will benefit us. No signed agreement, no public report, no price, nothing. Nada. Who really benefits from this deal?"
"Is it you? Is it your family? Or is it the country? Nope, nada. The ones who benefit are the family owners of Smart and other companies acquired in this buyback. They get cashed out risk-free with a massive payday."
"They will be set not for a lifetime, but generations to their family. If this deal was about efficiency or cost savings, then I have some simple questions. Where is the cost-benefit analysis? Where is the independent evaluation? Where is the proof that it will help the majority of Belizeans' family? There is no proof. There are no answers. There is only secrecy and a massive bill waiting for our grandkids to pay. This deal is not in the public interest. And this is not going to happen under our watch."
