Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it did not decline Cabinet invitation on BTL-Smart deal

By Zoila Palma:  The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) issued a statement on Wednesday clarifying that it did not decline or refuse an invitation to meet with Cabinet regarding the proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Ltd. by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL).

The BCCI said the scheduling conflict was due to prior commitments involving its leadership.

According to the BCCI, its President and Chief Executive Officer are scheduled to travel to El Salvador from Thursday, August 14, to participate in the official Belize delegation for the signing of the Belize-El Salvador Partial Scope Agreement.

 The Chamber said the engagement is “a vital national initiative aimed at strengthening regional trade relations and opening commercial avenues for Belizean enterprises.”

The BCCI explained that because of the conflict, it requested that the proposed Thursday, August 13 meeting be rescheduled.

The organization said it “firmly rejects any mischaracterization of its temporary unavailability to accommodate the proposed Thursday, August 13, 2026, meeting as an unwillingness to engage.” It added that it remains prepared to meet with Cabinet before a final decision is made.

The Chamber further stated that it is ready to engage with Cabinet, the Social Partners and other stakeholders at a mutually agreeable time.

“The BCCI remains entirely prepared to consult fully with Cabinet and sees no valid reason why meaningful engagement cannot take place before a final Cabinet decision is made on Tuesday, August 18, 2026,” the statement said.

The chamber also stressed that its position on the proposed BTL acquisition has not changed. The Chamber said concerns previously raised regarding “market competition, transparency, governance, regulatory oversight and the broader public interest” remain unresolved.

The BCCI further reaffirmed its commitment to “transparent, constructive, and principled dialogue with the Government of Belize and all relevant regulatory institutions.”

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