BCCI Questions Whether Belize Has Normalized Political Corruption

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is questioning whether Belize has developed a culture in which questionable political practices are repeatedly tolerated, while citizens and institutions remain largely unwilling to confront those in power.  BCCI member William Neal raised the issue as he reflected on what he described as a culture of corruption versus a “tamed society.” Neal argued that politicians from Belize’s two major political parties have, over successive administrations, been given a “bly” when allegations or concerns arise over their conduct. According to Neal, this repeated lack of accountability has allowed questionable practices to become normalized, regardless of which party forms the government.

William Neal, Councilor: “It’s important that one, as partners with the media, for example, we utilize our strengths to actually dig deep and look at the policy and partner with the media and other social partners to bring that information into the public domain so that there’s a greater conversation. Unless you have that conversation, the government pretends that the silent minority is actually “OK” the old adage that they always have that this will blow over like a little breeze in no time because there’s not enough groundswell. I think we have been very consistent in our good governance advocacy and push and the documents reflect that we continue to say the same things and it’s whether other actors within the society actually come in support of what we’re saying. And we do it not from an emotional standpoint it’s we actually look at the policy, we diagnose it, we put the proposals forward, and we try to partner, like I said, with the media, with other social partners to actually say, this makes sense. Why aren’t we doing this? And it cannot fall into a place where it’s either UDP or PUP because that’s the way that it’s often broken down. The minute you start advocating for something you’re anti the government and whichever administration is in power. But we know that these you know I don’t even know what word to use in terms of what we see it’s a continuous administration after administrations, doing the same thing. And because people are silent and accept it as the way the political parties operate, then it becomes a culture that the wider society accepts and there’s not enough groundswell to actually get the change.”

Neal’s comments come amid heightened public debate over transparency and accountability, including the recent revelations over government’s procurement processes and payouts.  While the Chamber has traditionally relied on consultation, public statements and engagement with policymakers, Neal revealed that internal discussions are now taking place over whether the organization should consider a more forceful public response. He said members are examining their next move, including whether the circumstances warrant the BCCI taking to the streets for the first time.

William Neal, Councilor: “That’s a question that we’re having internally, to be honest. I think I can say that, right Prez ? We’ve been having that conversation because we’ve been doing the work. We have been acting in good faith, having the conversations, requesting the meetings. And in some cases what has been the response from the administrations? They have removed representatives from the chamber from certain boards. That has been one of the ways that you won’t have access to the information either. So when we’re talking about transparency and ensuring that we have a seat at the table, it’s not so that we can be quiet. It’s so that we are able to get the information that maybe people might get the information and don’t even know what to do with it. That information is not left there. You have a representative, but they have to bring it back to the chamber itself. And whether it’s going through the policy unit or membership, people with a particular skill set that can actually look at it and say, “Flag this, this is a problem because of X, Y, and Z.” That’s what we try to do. So it starts there. But I think you’re asking a very important question because I think, as I said, we’ve been having that conversation especially of late and to see how you can actually get out into the streets and have people aware of what is happening and what action is required without it being politicized. Unfortunately that is the big challenge that you have. The minute you hear “oh this one is they’re UDP or they’re PUP or whatever” and that’s why we have chosen to actually be grounded in policy.”

The possibility of street action would represent a significant departure from the Chamber’s usual approach. BCCI President Giacomo Sanchez confirmed yesterday that protest action is not within the organization’s traditional nature, although he acknowledged the concerns being raised by the business community.