Tag:
Belize Telemedia Limited
Community and Society
Former BTL Workers Stage Six-Day Protest Over Unpaid Severance
Members of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), comprised of former Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) employees, launched a six-day protest outside the company’s headquarters on St. Thomas Street in Belize City beginning January 30, 2026.
Community and Society
Former BTL workers demand severance before $80 million SMART deal advances
The Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), a group representing more than 130 former Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) employees, held a press conference on January 26, 2026, at the BNTU Union Hall in Belize City. The group called for the payment of outstanding severance before BTL proceeds with its proposed $80 million acquisition of SpeedNet (SMART).
Government
BTL Executive Presents Proposed Speednet Acquisition to Cabinet
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) presented its proposal to acquire SMART/Speednet to the Cabinet on Tuesday, January 20th, during a meeting held in the capital city of Belmopan. The presentation was delivered by BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Tesucum, and Chief Financial Officer Ian Cleverly. The briefing reportedly lasted more than two hours and concluded without a final decision on the proposal.
Business & Economy
BTL’s Proposed Acquisition Uncertain after Companies Withdraw
Following an announcement on January 9th that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) was considering the acquisition of SMART, along with cable companies Centaur Communications and CTI/NEXGEN, the proposed consolidation is now uncertain. This follows the cable companies' withdrawal from negotiations amid increased public and media scrutiny. The proposed deal may now proceed with SMART included only.
Business & Economy
Opposition Rises over BTL’s Proposed Acquisition of SMART and Other Providers
The announcement that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering the acquisition of SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN has raised concerns nationwide, particularly within the private sector and political arena. The proposed consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers was discussed during a press conference held on Friday, January 9th, in Belize City.
Government
BTL Clarifies Stance on Speculation of Acquiring Other Communication Companies
On June 4, 2025, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) responded to reports suggesting it plans to acquire SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN in a major consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers. In a press release, BTL confirmed that while discussions about industry consolidation are ongoing, they are neither new nor cause for concern.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Chairman provides update of their state and financial report
On Thursday, February 24th, the Chairman of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), Ian Pou, provided details of the organization’s current state, its finances, and how it has been recovering from the alleged mismanagement by the previous administration. The report also touched on the conditions HCMR’s equipment (vehicles and vessels) were left in and the questionable activities of certain staff members.
Politics and Government
UDP Party Leader visits San Pedro and calls for BTL’s Chairman resignation
The Honourable Patrick Faber, Leader of the United Democratic Party, visited San Pedro Town on Thursday, August 26th, to meet with his party supporters. Faber also weighed on national issues like the national telephone company Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) losing a multi-million contract to Speednet/Smart. Faber said BTL's Chairman Mark Lizarraga did not do enough to prevent this and is calling on him to resign from his post.
