Belize Peace Movement demands independent audit into BTL’s GST debt

Published by BBN Staff at July 1, 2019

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Posted: Monday, July 1, 2019. 9:16 am CST.

By BBN Staff: The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) issued a statement today expressing outrage over the leaked news that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has not paid almost thirty million dollars in General Sales Tax since 2014.

“This latest outrage of governmental negligence, malfeasance and violation of the tax and revenue laws must result in those responsible being forced to answer and suffer full consequences,” the group says.

In addition, the group calls on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to show Belizeans the genuine receipts and audited accounts confirming that BTL (which is directly under his portfolio) has paid every dollar required by law to the GST department.

Furthermore, the movement says that the ‘vague’ explanations from BTL and Financial Secretary are unacceptable.

In their statement, the BPM also said that CEO, Rochus Schreiber has done the right thing by resigning within 48 hours after this news broke and that if the information is true, the entire board of directors who are responsible must tender their resignation with immediate effect.

The BPM demands that an independent forensic audit and a criminal investigation be carried out without delay.

“It is the Prime Minister who gave public assurances when that utility entity was being re-nationalized that Belizeans would experience a much improved and affordable service and that the affairs of the company will be carried out in an accountable and transparent manner. We call on the Prime Minister to live up to his duty and responsibility to safe guard public monies and restore some level of public trust in the management of the Belize Telecommunications Co. Ltd,” the BPM added.

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