Minister Henry Charles Usher Urges Talks to Resume in BTL Interest Dispute

Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, Henry Charles Usher, is encouraging renewed dialogue between former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited and company officials following the recent pause in negotiations over disputed interest payments.

The minister’s comments come a day after members of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice staged a protest outside the National Assembly Building of Belize in Belmopan while the House of Representatives was in session. The group has been advocating for what it describes as fair interest payments owed to former BTL employees.  Speaking briefly on the matter, Minister Usher described the halt in discussions between the two sides as unfortunate and emphasized the importance of returning to the negotiating table to find a resolution.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “I think that that is a matter that the BCWJ and BTL should discuss around the table. I’m not happy to hear that discussions, negotiations have broken down. I think it’s always good to have this dialogue open. It’s clear that BTL was wrong in not paying severance. The courts have said that they should be paying severance. As to the interest I think that’s something that needs to be negotiated and certainly I would hope that discussions continue.”

Members of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice say they remain dissatisfied with the current payout structure outlined in a recent public notice issued by Belize Telemedia Limited inviting former employees to submit claims. The group argues that the interest amounts being offered do not reflect what they believe is owed.  During their protest in Belmopan, the group coordinated a message to area representatives in the National Assembly, urging government officials to intervene and assist in resolving the dispute.  Minister Usher, however, says meaningful progress will require both sides to re-engage in dialogue. He stressed that continued negotiation between the company and the former employees offers the best path toward settling the matter.