By Breaking Belize News Staff: The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has added its voice to calls for stronger action following recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds in the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence.
In a statement issued Friday, NEAB acknowledged the government’s recent actions, including the opening of an investigation into irregular Smart Stream payments at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the leave of absence granted to Ministers Oscar Mira and Florencio Marin Jr., the appointment of an interim minister, and the suspension of a finance officer allegedly involved in facilitating questionable transactions.
However, the association urged Prime Minister John Briceño to go further, saying it remains within his authority as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to ensure that investigations are thorough, unimpeded, and followed by concrete action.
NEAB is also calling for updates to the Finance and Audit Act, full implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, whistleblower protection legislation, campaign finance reform, and the appointment of a new Ombudsman with the authority to properly carry out the functions of that office.
The association said Belize must move beyond viewing such scandals as “growing pains of a young nation” and instead urgently fix flaws that allow questionable and corrupt practices to continue.
NEAB said stronger financial systems and anti-corruption measures are needed to benefit all Belizeans and reduce corruption in governance.
The post ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people’; Churches urge PM to do more over corruption concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has added its voice to calls for stronger action following recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds in the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence. In a statement issued Friday, NEAB acknowledged the government’s recent actions, including the opening of an
The post ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people’; Churches urge PM to do more over corruption concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.