Anti-Corruption Forum Examines Gaps in Belize’s Laws

In the midst of all these red flags now popping up around Oscar Mira, there was a session in Belize on corruption and good governance.  Ironically, the session looked at whether Belize’s laws are strong enough to prevent corruption and where improvements may be needed. Civil society, the media, and other groups came together with a view to see how the government system may be improved.  During the session, participants were presented with the Belize Anti-Corruption Legislative Gap Analysis Report and Matrix. The report reviews Belize’s current anti-corruption laws and points out areas where there may be weaknesses. Simply put, the report looks at what laws Belize already has to fight corruption and what may still need to be added or improved.  Program Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, Claudia Marcela Hernandez, said the goal of the session was not only to share the report’s findings, but also to start a conversation about what changes may be needed and how different groups can work together to make those changes happen.

The event was organized by the Belize Network of NGOs, along with Global Financial Integrity and the Belize Policy Research Institute. The session ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Bricks & Books Coffee house.