By Breaking Belize News Staff: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has written to Prime Minister John Briceño calling for greater transparency and independence in the investigation into allegations involving Minister Oscar Mira and public procurement practices.
While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s decision to refer the matter to the Auditor General, Panton argued that “the confidence of the public will ultimately depend not simply on the announcement of an investigation, but on the scope, independence, transparency and effectiveness of that investigation.” She also expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s public comments about directing the Auditor General, reminding him that “the Office of the Auditor General is constitutionally mandated to be independent and free of Executive influence and ought not have to await instructions to act from anyone.”
In the letter, Panton urged the Government to immediately disclose all documents establishing the investigation, stating, “The Belizean people are entitled to know precisely what the Auditor General has been mandated to examine and the full scope of the investigation.”
Panton said the investigation should determine whether Minister Mira exercised “directly or indirectly, any influence over the award of contracts to businesses owned, controlled, or associated with members of his family,” while also reviewing procurement procedures, conflicts of interest, financial approvals, and compliance with procurement laws.
The Opposition Leader also raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s announcement that a new board would be appointed for RECONDEV.
Panton requested clarification on the legal authority used to initiate the appointment process, the role of the Cabinet Secretary, the status of the existing board, and the legal basis for any changes.
Panton further argued that the Auditor General’s investigation should extend to RECONDEV’s governance, including the allocation of national lands and any transactions involving ministers, board members, relatives, or politically connected individuals.
Panton also urged PM Briceno to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and evidence-based. “Belizeans deserve complete confidence that these matters will not be resolved through a narrow administrative review but through a thorough, impartial, rigorous and transparent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads,” she wrote.
She added that “public confidence in our institutions depends upon nothing less,” and requested an early response from the Prime Minister along with copies of the directives, terms of reference, and other documents defining the scope of the investigations.
The post Opposition calls for independent, transparent investigation into Mira contracts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has written to Prime Minister John Briceño calling for greater transparency and independence in the investigation into allegations involving Minister Oscar Mira and public procurement practices. While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s decision to refer the matter to the Auditor General, Panton argued that “the
The post Opposition calls for independent, transparent investigation into Mira contracts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.