BELIZE CITY, Mon. Nov. 21, 2016–A few days ago, it became public knowledge that the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Anwar Barrow, was vacating his office as CEO of the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL); however, it was not made public that he would remain a member of BTL’s Board of Directors.
In a leaked letter from the outgoing CEO to his employees on November 9, Anwar Barrow made it clear that he would be “transitioning out of the CEO role” in early 2017.
“The Board has planned for this transition from earlier this year and shortly, I expect they will be advertising the post of CEO. I believe that a candidate should be selected by year’s end and in the New Year we will begin an orderly process of transition to a new CEO,” the letter read.
Barrow’s letter further stated, “I want to make sure everyone remains focused on our mission and BTL’s future, despite any fears or uncertainty that comes with this type of transition.”
Anwar Barrow then made a further, unexpected revelation, to employees, “As usual, I continue to do my best to speak openly and honestly when addressing the team, so as you see me out and around the company, please do not hesitate to share with me any concerns. I am still committed to BTL, and our vision remains paramount, but in due course I will be supporting this vision, in my role as Director on the Board.
Barrow became involved in BTL almost 7 years ago when it was first nationalized in 2009 during his father’s first stint as Prime Minister.
In 2013, following his father’s second term in office, he was elevated to the position of CEO.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Anwar Barrow, as the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), among other groups, has long considered his appointment to CEO as nepotism.
Additionally, the PUP has attacked the financial statements produced by BTL and has in the past suggested that BTL was a failing company.
While the young Barrow has sat as CEO at BTL, his father has agreed to pay an estimated half billion dollars to Lord Michael Ashcroft for the acquisition of BTL, which has seen a lot of litigation since the takeover.