By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has defended former Miss Universe Belize Isabella “Bella” Zabaneh after she faced backlash for urging Government to increase the $10,000 procurement threshold amid the ongoing fallout from the so-called “Mira Millions” scandal, which has led to intense scrutiny of Government procurement procedures and led to two ministers being put on leave.
Briceño said it is unfortunate that Zabaneh has taken public criticism, adding that women should be encouraged to participate in national discussions. He commended her for having the courage to raise an issue that, according to him, many people already know but are afraid to say because of the current political climate.
The Prime Minister said the $10,000 threshold is too low in today’s economy, especially when Government now purchases hundreds of millions of dollars in goods and services annually. He said that 20 years ago the national budget was under $1 billion, while today it is around $1.8 billion.
Briceño said the Central Procurement Unit will address the threshold issue, but with new transparency requirements. He said even if the limit is raised to $20,000 or $30,000, ministries would still have to report transactions through the public portal so citizens can see who is being paid and for what.
Zabaneh’s comments became controversial after she argued at the PUP National Party Council meeting that the $10,000 threshold was too low and referred to criticism and coverage of the Mira scandal as “media propaganda.” BBN later reported that she doubled down on the need to review procurement rules, while saying she does not defend corruption.
The post PM defends Bella Zabaneh, says $10,000 procurement threshold will be reviewed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has defended former Miss Universe Belize Isabella “Bella” Zabaneh after she faced backlash for urging Government to increase the $10,000 procurement threshold amid the ongoing fallout from the so-called “Mira Millions” scandal, which has led to intense scrutiny of Government procurement procedures and led to two
The post PM defends Bella Zabaneh, says $10,000 procurement threshold will be reviewed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
