Audit Underway at Ministry of Defence Following MIRA Controversy

An audit at the Ministry of Defence remains underway as the government seeks to determine whether proper financial and administrative procedures were followed. The review was ordered following the controversy surrounding MIRA, which brought scrutiny to transactions and decision-making within the ministry.  Prime Minister John Briceño provided an update on the process today, explaining that the auditors have been given the space and access needed to examine the ministry’s records. He said the government will await the completion of that independent process before determining whether any further action is necessary.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I’m told that it is going, it is tedious because what I spoke with is CEO Usher in defense they have come and look at every single file and every invoice with the purchase order, all of that have to be sorted out and then when they sort it out they put it into a bag there and they seal it when they move it and then they go and do they start to do their analysis. So I’m hoping in next month or two, we’ll be able to get at least some sort of report.”

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Defence, Retired Major Francis Usher, also confirmed that the audit is continuing. Usher said he has not received any personal updates on its findings and has deliberately remained removed from the process to avoid any suggestion of interference.

Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Defense: “it’s ongoing. I don’t know where they are in the process, but it is ongoing and every step of the way as we are reached out to for further information or for interviews we ensure that we comply. So we are completely compliant with the requests from the Office of the Auditor General and the audit is ongoing.”

Reporter: Now, when it comes to this audit and everything that has happened, where are we now in terms of your morale there in the Ministry of Defense among the soldiers specifically of BDF? 

Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Defense: “I think morale remains high. I think that as any information arises we ensure that we have constant communication within both the BDF and the Coast Guard not only with the leadership but with the rank and file as well. We have to ensure that every step of the way they are informed, that they are that they have the accurate information. And I think that with accurate information, they’re able to realize that a lot of what is put out there might be just sensationalism and that the work continues and we need to continue to be professional.”

Reporter:  And in terms of procurement, have you been more vigilant in terms of how things are acquired and kept here and there within the ministry ? 

Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Defense: “We continue to be vigilant. We were vigilant before and we await the findings of the audit report. And there’s always room for improvement, but we continue to be vigilant to ensure that one, the soldiers and sailors get the necessary equipment and two, that the government’s resources are handled responsibly.”

The audit is expected to establish the facts surrounding the MIRA controversy, identify any weaknesses in the ministry’s internal systems and determine whether established procedures were followed.