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Lindbergh Smith
01-24-05, - 03:16 PM
Today on behalf of Blue Telecommunications Bahamas we extend our greatest and best wishes in this new year to one and all.

Having reviewed all that has transpired in the telecom industry within the Bahamas "BlueTel" has made a commitment, having been lobbied tremendously by many citizens, friends, colleagues and employees of BTC within the Bahamian community to renew its proposal and its objective to officially re-engage itself and its resources to finalize the sale of BTC. Despite the Government of the Bahamas perceived reluctance and procrastination with regard to the sale of the company, BlueTel intends to break the Political barriers to ensure the successful completion of the privatization of BTC. Much to the delight and breath of fresh air to the embattled and confused employees and most of all the general Public. BlueTel intends to re-ignite its discussions and Negotiations with the Government of the Bahamas to consummate a transaction.

It has committed itself with ensuring that employees of BTC which numbered approximately 1,100 would continue to enjoy employment and retrained to provide the new services the new BTC would be providing to the local and Global community. It is expected that the new revenues streams would support the existing staff, however much attention would be given to ensuring that some of the staff be exposed to BLUETEL's global partners operations by being transferred to their existing operation throughout the world for exposure and communications global training. We believe this would allow a higher level of service and opportunities for the employees of BTC and new college’s graduates as the company main source of revenues would be refocus to global communications resource development and other advance forms of communications provisioning services.

With regard to the present executive Management team and its board of directors, it is evident that BTC has failed in its mandate to transform and or improve its overall performance and revenues going forward. It is only for the Government now to really open its eyes, digest and see a spade as a spade and not be told some colorful story about what can possibly happen under the present regime. BTC suffers from many vows and unless the government reacts today they will within 22 months have another government entity that would need to be subsidized. Considering the next election around the corner time is of most importance in taking decisive actions to stem a possible embarrassment that BTC is headed.

There are many vendors and entities that are now reaping the benefits of internal contracts that were granted to them by the existing board and management team to complete works that are indeed necessary for the overall good deliverance of service by BTC. This is in no way the reason to look the other way and ignore the reality of what is really occurring today within this company. All persons involved within the political landscape will be well advised that indeed the time has come for a change of direction. No more will the citizens of this country be subjected to high cost and unreliable services.

The Bahamas today, despite some of its failure is a highly educated country by comparisons, and as such, demands advance services as is offered practically everywhere else. Many Bahamians are embarrassed by the long line and the dis-regard to proper customer services that is being offered today. The Government will be well advised not to sit and wait until a miracle happens; because it won't! less it performs some work to make it happen. The revenues streams of BTC is now quickly eroding with the introduction of "Indigo" all of the VOIP services being offered by many US base companies as well as now Cable Bahamas announcement that it is going to now provide International long distance band width.

We at BlueTel believe that we have waited long and have worked extremely hard to understand the plight and the dilemma that BTC finds itself in today. WE have now positioned ourselves to work earnestly with the People and the Government of the Bahamas to utilize our financial strengths, best practices and global knowledge base to expand and transform BTC today. This will of course enable the new company to compete alongside the likes of Cable Bahamas, Indigo and others. There is a known notion being flouted within the general populace that many of these companies are laughing all the way to the bank at BTC. They are also actively engaged in the lobby for "BTC NOT" to be sold so as to continue to dominate the Telecom market place as they have been. They are all aware that BTC cannot respond to the market demands as quickly as they can. The Government of the Bahamas has found it necessary to engage the services of a consultancy team to advise them with regard to the repositioning of BTC and to provide advice for the inhancement and or indentifying some value within BTC that would inherently increase its value and preparing it for eventual sale.

We have however examined and have determined that the cost of such consultancy is indeed fruitless and has been extremely costly to the tax paying public. Much funds has already been expended to conclude this process under the former administration and now it has inherently been repeated by the new Government of the Bahamas as this advisory company can only advise but not operate BTC.

No matter how much advice is given and no matter the cost paid for such advice, Extreme Financial power,Implemention of new networks and services, Execution, reliance and long term growth value is what BTC would require in order for it to become successful. Consultance do not operate companies they provide advice. Global relationships is indeed what is required for regional and global partnership success. Consultance are not market makers.

It is time for all right thinking Bahamians to now actively continue to insist that BTC be sold so as to introduce new endeavors and bring about a complete refocus on providing real and a highly committed level of excellence in customer services. We at Blue would now commit ourselves to ensuring that this happen before the end of this year. We ask all of our fellow Bahamians to support us in this Journey of transforming the telecom industry and bringing relief to all in the Bahamas.

With the high cost of cellular services being offered by BTC we at Blue once having Acquired BTC would offer many of the services for free. They are as follows:

Text messaging, voice mail, No monthly rental fees, reducing the cost on cellular calls. Expanding roaming services throughout the world. The utilization of cell phones on every Island within the Bahamas. With the government of the Bahamas approval procedures and global trends CSME, FTAA; the expansion to providing services outside of the Bahamas which would allow Bahamians to invest and participate along side our global company in the region. The expanded outsourcing of strategic services to employees of BTC and other interested participants in the Telecom industry creating employment and entrepreneurship growth.

Through our newly created telecom market and products we indeed will see a transformation to a new telecom market driven by our financial strengths and vast Intellectual knowledge base, locally and internationally.

Exciting times are ahead. BlueTel expects to conclude the sale of BTC with the Government of the Bahamas by late October 2005.

islandgyal
01-24-05, - 08:26 PM
Much to the delight and breath of fresh air to the embattled and confused employees and most of all the general Public. BlueTel intends to re-ignite its discussions and Negotiations with the Government of the Bahamas to consummate a transaction.

who is this joker attempting to kid????????? ask them to offer up a valuable bid next time, if they want to take over a government monopoly as profitable as batelco has been ... what unmitigated gall!

Lindbergh Smith
01-24-05, - 11:31 PM
Its interesting, The bid was more valuable than you may think. And its even more interesting that you used the words "HAS BEEN" Perhaps,because it sure isn't now and won't be unless something is done to correct the situation. What do you think 49% of BTC is worth. $1 billion.

I guess aha aha a! wake up; its time to get with it before its too late. Either way it has to be sold and reorganized. So don't hate the player hate the game.
Ther are many people waiting for its transformation and for better services.
And believe me........ i'm no joker! perhaps you would love to buy it, or are you enjoying the plunder or the carcass of a dying entity. Lets save it before its too late.

Rory
01-24-05, - 11:44 PM
Batelco should be privatised ... end of story :-)

Well, end of, end of story, would be nice if some of the money can be shared with the bahamian public, like shares, etc.

Either way, Id like to have wireless internet anywhere on this island, which can be done easy enough using existing Cell towers .. laptop and PDA's. oh yeah, and lower priced ADSL ....for video monitoring .. right now all my clients HAVE to use Cable .. as ADSL is too costly with Batelco's prices, and DSL is too slow (uploading viceo).

Rory

Lindbergh Smith
01-25-05, - 09:06 AM
Would definitely be offered to the Bahamian Public as stated in our statement. Finally Bahamians would have a unique opportunity to invest in a Global company as they did with the Atlantis Resort offering. The good is that it is a global telecommunications company with a strong Dynamic young Bahamian Partnership.

Who would have thought that the worlds largest Telecom Company and one of the world’s largest banks would team up with, and support local young Bahamians and buy into their vision and ideas for the telecom industry, the local community and the region at large. There are over fifteen Bahamians involved in the management of BlueTel Bahamas and are average ages of 30-43 years of age. They are also supported by many senior respected and ethical Bahamian businessmen and women within the Bahamas. They are from all disciplines within the Bahamian community. From the religious, legal, finance & banking, Telecom, private business and Political arena. This speaks volume about the vision and desire for better in our country.
The Government of the Bahamas would do it self well to ensure that the opportunity exist for young and aspiring Bahamians to have an opportunity to participate in such and undertaking.

Many may feel indifferent regarding the privatization and what affect it may have on them personally, as we all know change is not an easy pill to swallow and digest sometimes; this is understood. This is no time for envy and or negative actions when so much is at stake for the forward progress of our nation. The management of BTC has had over thirteen years to get the picture right and they have not. Consecutive Boards have been appointed under both Governments and nothing has really improved except more confusion and more perks to those in authority. There is no real desire to improve its offering of services and customer satisfaction.

This is obviously not about what government did what anymore. But more of what the reality and the future of BTC and its employees. No more fancy talks about what they will do and never gets done! The jobs of the employees of BTC will be secured and more will be created for our new college grads in the technology area when this sale is completed we’ve given them their chance and now its time to call a spade a spade and move on!

Many of the older and senior members of our community understand empowerment quite well, and of course also understand that Kingdom leadership is what is really required in such undertakings such as this.
This is about a vision and purpose and moving the next generation forward with strong moral and ethical behavior based on Godly principles.

We encourage others to join us in these endeavors as well as participating within our group as investors. There will be public offerings of shares to allow everyone to share in the success of a new BTC.

globehopper
01-26-05, - 02:45 PM
The Bahamas, as one of the leading countries in the Caribbean, needs to be on the forefront of technology and industry. I applaud the efforts of BlueTel, and look forward to all the benefits that such an endeavor will bring to ALL BAHAMIANS. :bahamas:

bsmbahamas
01-26-05, - 03:37 PM
and we won't be able to phone our families cause ya know they ga get turned off the first time they miss a payment.

'bout time.

CG
01-27-05, - 09:58 AM
Who is Blue Tel? Who are the major share holders? What is the company's track record? Have they published a plan for the future of Betelco should they take it over? How do we know that we are not jumping out of the Betelco "frying-pan" into Blue Tel's "fire"?

bsmbahamas
01-27-05, - 05:09 PM
Heh, CG ...

It is probably a white owned company, that's we really need right?

I am sure their were black people that wanted to buy as well,
just like their were black people ready to finance cable bahamas.

Reality is black people like to whine about whites owning everything,
but in reality they don't really want a black owned company.

they say one thing, but vote differently.

(black crab syndrome)

andre weech
01-27-05, - 08:05 PM
Well put Lindbergh. Looks like you need a little help.


In response to CG's questions:

Who is Blue Tel? Who are the major share holders? What is the company's track record? Have they published a plan for the future of Betelco should they take it over? How do we know that we are not jumping out of the Betelco "frying-pan" into Blue Tel's "fire"?

1. BlueTel International is the bid vehicle that was formed specifically of the BTC privatisation process. The share holders are as follows:

BlueTel Bahamas
(Bahamian Share Holders with responsibility for Strategic Planning and Intergration)
There are over fifteen Bahamians involved in the management of BlueTel Bahamas and are average ages of 30-43 years of age. They are also supported by many senior respected and ethical Bahamian businessmen and women within the Bahamas. They are from all disciplines within the Bahamian community. From the religious, legal, finance & banking, Telecom, private business and Political arena.

(Technical Partners with responsibility for Operations)
Deutche Telekom and its management Arm Detecon have a proven track record with its T-Mobile, & T-Systems Wireless Operation worldwide.

(Financial partner)

One Equity. One Equity is the private equity arm of the JPMorganChase/Bank One Group, one of the largest banks in the United States.

2. BlueTel submitted a very detailed plan to "Your" Government as part of the final bid proposal. Please ask your respresentative if he or she his read it.
The details of the BlueTel document where could not be made public as we were resticted from doing so by the Government's Non-disclosue agreement. (Which applied to all bidders)

I'm sure Lindbergh or any of the other BlueTel member would be happy to answer any of your questions/concerns.

3. If moving from BTC to a company owned and operationed by Deutche Telekom (T-Mobile) is jumping into a fire.

I would recommend a running start.



who is this joker attempting to kid????????? ask them to offer up a valuable bid next time, if they want to take over a government monopoly as profitable as batelco has been ... what unmitigated gall!

Islandgyal, please look into your crystal ball and tell us "What is a valuable bid offer?

I am sure you have conducted your due diligence of BTC's financial and operational records. What is the 49% worth?

You must be really good, even better than the Government of The Bahamas. Because they didn't have an appraised value of the 49% of BTC when the bid process was conducted. If fact, that is why the Government is now spending BIG BIG bucks to have the Helistien (sp?) Group evaluate BTC.

Is the report finished, have you seen it? Please share it with us humble folk.

POINT OF INFORMATION.

Three bidders made it to the final round. The valuations of BTC by all three companies were within a range of 20%. All three companies had some of the best financial minds in the world working on this.

But I guess you may be one of those people who would put their house on the market for sale without having it appraised. And when you receive three almost equal bids, you jump up and say "That not enough, I don't want to sell anymore."

Must be a Bahamian thing, or a smart way to get a free appraisal. Because that is what the Government did.

No, the Government had BlueTel and the other bidder paid them $10,000 each to do the appraisal. Any life sweet.


PS. $275 million ways to forget what you hear in the street.

CG
01-28-05, - 02:57 PM
Well put Lindbergh. Looks like you need a little help.


In response to CG's questions:

Who is Blue Tel? Who are the major share holders? What is the company's track record? Have they published a plan for the future of Betelco should they take it over? How do we know that we are not jumping out of the Betelco "frying-pan" into Blue Tel's "fire"?

1. BlueTel International is the bid vehicle that was formed specifically of the BTC privatisation process. The share holders are as follows:

BlueTel Bahamas
(Bahamian Share Holders with responsibility for Strategic Planning and Intergration)
There are over fifteen Bahamians involved in the management of BlueTel Bahamas and are average ages of 30-43 years of age. They are also supported by many senior respected and ethical Bahamian businessmen and women within the Bahamas. They are from all disciplines within the Bahamian community. From the religious, legal, finance & banking, Telecom, private business and Political arena.

(Technical Partners with responsibility for Operations)
Deutche Telekom and its management Arm Detecon have a proven track record with its T-Mobile, & T-Systems Wireless Operation worldwide.

(Financial partner)

One Equity. One Equity is the private equity arm of the JPMorganChase/Bank One Group, one of the largest banks in the United States.

2. BlueTel submitted a very detailed plan to "Your" Government as part of the final bid proposal. Please ask your respresentative if he or she his read it.
The details of the BlueTel document where could not be made public as we were resticted from doing so by the Government's Non-disclosue agreement. (Which applied to all bidders)

I'm sure Lindbergh or any of the other BlueTel member would be happy to answer any of your questions/concerns.

3. If moving from BTC to a company owned and operationed by Deutche Telekom (T-Mobile) is jumping into a fire.

I would recommend a running start.



who is this joker attempting to kid????????? ask them to offer up a valuable bid next time, if they want to take over a government monopoly as profitable as batelco has been ... what unmitigated gall!

Islandgyal, please look into your crystal ball and tell us "What is a valuable bid offer?

I am sure you have conducted your due diligence of BTC's financial and operational records. What is the 49% worth?

You must be really good, even better than the Government of The Bahamas. Because they didn't have an appraised value of the 49% of BTC when the bid process was conducted. If fact, that is why the Government is now spending BIG BIG bucks to have the Helistien (sp?) Group evaluate BTC.

Is the report finished, have you seen it? Please share it with us humble folk.

POINT OF INFORMATION.

Three bidders made it to the final round. The valuations of BTC by all three companies were within a range of 20%. All three companies had some of the best financial minds in the world working on this.

But I guess you may be one of those people who would put their house on the market for sale without having it appraised. And when you receive three almost equal bids, you jump up and say "That not enough, I don't want to sell anymore."

Must be a Bahamian thing, or a smart way to get a free appraisal. Because that is what the Government did.

No, the Government had BlueTel and the other bidder paid them $10,000 each to do the appraisal. Any life sweet.


PS. $275 million ways to forget what you hear in the street.


Thanks for thie info!

chancellor
01-30-05, - 07:33 PM
BlueTel intends to break the Political barriers to ensure the successful completion of the privatization of BTC. Much to the delight and breath of fresh air to the embattled and confused employees and most of all the general Public. BlueTel intends to re-ignite its discussions and Negotiations with the Government of the Bahamas to consummate a transaction.


BlueTel expects to conclude the sale of BTC with the Government of the Bahamas by late October 2005.


I'll believe it when I see it!