By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): A political hopeful from the opposition United Democratic Party has filed a formal corruption complaint against Minister Oscar Mira with the Integrity Commission, adding a new chapter to the controversy surrounding government payments to businesses linked to the Mira family.
The complaint was filed by Edward Broaster, the UDP caretaker for Belize Rural Central. Speaking to the media, Broaster said he felt compelled to act, arguing that an official complaint was needed for the matter to be formally investigated. “When nobody makes a report, they say nobody made a report, so how can they investigate,” he said. He added that he had taken it upon himself to file on behalf of many Belizeans, “red and blue,” who he said are frustrated with what he described as the level of corruption in the country.
Broaster framed the issue as one of accountability rather than party politics. “When we hire officials to represent us in parliament, they must be held accountable,” he said, adding that it is taxpayers’ money being spent. He maintained that the complaint was not a political move.
Asked whether he believed anything would come of it, Broaster said he hoped the Integrity Commission would carry out a full and comprehensive investigation. He said he had faith in the institution and hoped those serving in it would show the public that they would uncover what took place. He acknowledged that he did not know when he might hear back, but said he hoped the commission would follow its procedures and ensure the public gets answers.
It is worth noting that filing a complaint does not in itself establish that any wrongdoing occurred. The complaint triggers a process under which the Integrity Commission may consider the matter. For his part, Mira has denied any involvement in awarding contracts or influencing payments, and a separate audit into the Ministry of Defence, requested by the government, is already underway. No findings have been made at this stage.
Broaster said he spoke with his party leader before filing the complaint.
The post UDP caretaker files corruption complaint against Oscar Mira appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): A political hopeful from the opposition United Democratic Party has filed a formal corruption complaint against Minister Oscar Mira with the Integrity Commission, adding a new chapter to the controversy surrounding government payments to businesses linked to the Mira family. The complaint was filed by Edward Broaster, the UDP
The post UDP caretaker files corruption complaint against Oscar Mira appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
