UDP calls for immediate removal of BTL chairman

By Zoila Palma:  The United Democratic Party (UDP) issued a statement on August 18, 2026, saying that it welcomed the Belize trade unions’ call for the removal of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga, following the Board’s approval of a proposed $80 million acquisition of SMART/SpeedNet.

The UDP said it was the first to demand Lizarraga’s removal after the BTL Board approved the proposed transaction. “Our position remains clear: public assets require public accountability,” the party said.

The UDP added that Cabinet’s subsequent rejection of the deal does not erase the Board’s decision or remove responsibility from Lizarraga or the Government that appointed the Board. “Cabinet’s later rejection of the deal does not erase the Board’s decision or absolve its Chairman or the appointing Government of responsibility,” the UDP said.

The UDP is also calling for the full disclosure of all costs associated with the failed transaction, including legal, advisory, valuation and due diligence fees. “The public deserves full transparency of what was approved, what was spent, and who is responsible,” the party said, reiterating its position that “Markhelm Lizarraga must go.”

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