Opposition Says Appointment Of Anwar Barrow As Chairman Of Executive Committee At B.t.l Is Nepotism

Karen Bevans

On Tuesday, we reported on a series of major management changes at the top of the government controlled Belize Telemedia Limited on the heels of the departure of Karen Bevans as Chief Operations Officer. While it had been rumored for some time, it was officially confirmed that Anwar Barrow has been named Chair of the Executive Committee of Telemedia replacing Nestor Vasquez, who remains Chairman of the Board of Directors. It means that the Prime Ministerial son is now officially overseeing the daily operations of the government-controlled telephone company. We say officially because Barrow as member of the executive committee already had an office at the telephone company. Along with Vasquez, the other two committee members are Ambrose Tillett and C.E.O. Colin Young. Barrow also sits and is listed as the number two man in the Board of Directors of B.T.L.  His appointment came into effect on April first and today, it prompted a reaction from the People’s United Party. The opposition is seeking the immediate overturn of Barrow’s appointment as Chair of the Executive Committee of Management of B.T.L.  The P.U.P. charges that as son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Anwar’s appointment is a blatant act of nepotism and the opposition says it does not believe it is in the best interest of B.T.L. or the people of Belize.

Anwar Barrow

Additionally, there are allegations that Barrow is a non-executive provider of business funds to other companies which either have contracts or are indirectly involved in business with B.T.L. According to the release, if the Board of Directors fails to act on the request to have him removed forthwith, the party will call on P.M. Barrow to do the right thing and have his son resign.  In responding to the release, Barrow issued a statement late this evening saying that the People’s United Party has been attempting to attack his credibility with unfounded allegations since 1997, futile efforts which have resulted in legal action and financial compensation.  Barrow says he continues to remain focused while working with B.T.L.’s Board of Directors and its committee members to move the company forward under the guidance of Board Chairman Nestor Vasquez.