Today was the big day when Cabinet was expected to consider the Prime Minister's explanation of the Speednet acquisition. But would the meeting be decisive or divisive? And what would the Ministers say? Would they back the deal that stands to significantly enrich the Prime Minister's family? Or would they urge political caution?
Well, our news team waited for 6 hours outside the Sir Edney Cain building for a late cabinet meeting to wrap - and when the ministers emerged it was with an anticlimax: the acquisition was NOT presented to the Cabinet today. But we were there and Jaleeza Roberts reports:
Today our newsroom waylaid the Ministers after the Cabinet meeting ended, and after what was almost 6 hours of waiting and observation of movements, these were the post cabinet meeting comments we were able to get.
Reporter
"Did the Prime Minister tell you about the acquisition whatsoever?"
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister
"We had a short discussion about it, yes."
Reporter
"And do you support the acquisition?"
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister
"Well, we didn't have a chance to get a full presentation today, so we didn't really get to discuss."
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"We had a very brief discussion about it. You know, just updating us on developments that took place, which I think are already in the public record. So nothing new in respect of that."
Reporter
"Do you support the acquisition of Speednet?"
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"No, no, I don't think that is even a question at this point. So, you know, I think at some point we'll get a full presentation to cabinet. When we get that presentation, we'll be in a position to say where we stand on that issue."
Reporter
"So acquisition is still on the table as far as you know?"
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"I'm not sure about that. I'm not sure about that. We didn't get into that discussion today, whether it's still on the table. We were just updated on the developments which I think have already been reported publicly."
Reporter
"Would you agree that this needs to go to public consultation?"
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister
"Well, I believe that's something of this nature, you know. Consultation is the heart of our modern democracy."
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"Yeah, I think the more transparency there is, the more public consultation there is, I think that's better for everyone involved."
Reporter
"And do you support the re-establishment of a telecoms monopoly in Belize, even if it flouts the telecommunications act?"
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister
"No, well, for me, as an economist, I see um, I can technically analyze the pros and the cons of whether or not you should have a monopoly in different sectors. That would take some time for us to sit and discuss and not just passing by like that."
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"I think, you know, I think that we certainly are in support of competition. But again, I think we need a presentation. If there's going to be a presentation, we'll wait to get that presentation. And once we receive that, then we'll be in a position to make a firm comment on it."
Reporter
"And do you think that the cabinet should have been consulted before this got out in the light?"
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister
"Well, I believe there's a process that we have had the discussion and I believe there will be a full discussion with us in the coming days."
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"Yeah, I think it's important that the cabinet be consulted and be informed. So we haven't, you know, as I said, today we did not discuss that issue, you know, and I think at some future meeting, if in fact it continues, then we'll have that discussion."
Reporter
"What do you think of the confirmed report that the Prime Minister was personally calling BTL members to have them support the acquisitions?"
Francis Fonseca, Senior Minister
"Well, I have no knowledge of that. I would not be in a position to speculate on that. I have no knowledge of that taking place."
And as expected not everyone would be open to speaking, Minister Andre Perez told us he was late for his 5:30 flight and was quick to shut down any response to the media
Reporter
"One question, quick. Did the Prime Minister tell you about the acquisition?"
Andre Perez, Minister
"You know that we're not privy to discuss things right now in Cabinet. Let the Cabinet briefing come out first, okay? All right? Thank you."
Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
Reports say that BTL is expected to make a presentation to the Cabinet next week.
