B.T.L. tries to suspend G.O.B. stop order

Tonight lawyers for the Belize Telecommunications Limited are still at the Supreme Court fighting for the suspension of a government imposed stop order. Late this afternoon, attorney for B.T.L., Lois Young Barrow filed an application before Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh asking that the stop order, slated to take effect tomorrow, be deferred until a later date. Appearing for the government were attorneys Denys Barrow, Eamon Courtenay and Solicitor General Elson Kaseke. Up to newstime, both parties were still arguing their points in chambers. However, earlier today, Attorney General Godfrey Smith and Minister Responsible for Telecommunications, Ralph Fonseca met with officials from CAPU, the Committee for Action Against Public Utilities. After the meeting, the A.G. told the press that G.O.B. was still willing to negotiate with B.T.L. about the rates in the interest of the consumer, but that if necessary, they would take the matter to court.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney General

“Under the terms of its license, Belize Telecommunications Limited have failed to comply with in this instance, two specific conditions; conditions 5.5 and conditions 10. We believe that if following the provisions of the Belize Telecommunications Act, we have pointed it out to them, giving them the opportunity, as the law allows, for them to address it. We believe that so far they have not. If by Monday they have not, then the stop order will take effect. So to answer your question, yes we do believe there are good grounds for the government of Belize to require and demand of Belize Telecommunications Limited, that they abide by condition of their license.

If B.T.L. abide by the terms of the stop order then it means the proposed rate increase, which have taken effect, will go back to the pre-December first position. If they do not comply with it, then obviously, the stop order being a lawful stop order, the Government would have to take steps necessary to enforce compliance with it.”

The Committee for Action on Public Utilities has yet to release a position on today’s meeting and subsequent courtroom proceedings.