Cabinet to Receive Procurement Rules Briefing Following Mira Fallout

Following that reminder to Cabinet about the importance of proper conduct and public perception, Prime Minister John Briceño says his government is moving to ensure ministers are also fully aware of the rules governing public spending and procurement.  The Prime Minister announced this morning that, beginning next week, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and other senior public officers will make a presentation to Cabinet on the Stores Orders Manual. The session is intended to give ministers a clearer understanding of the procedures that govern government purchasing, contracting and the management of public supplies.  The Prime Minister says the presentation will help Cabinet members better understand the standards public officers are required to follow, particularly as government faces increased scrutiny over procurement practices in the wake of the Oscar Mira controversy.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Well, what we’re doing, a number of things, some exciting things actually. First of all, on next week Tuesday, I have asked the Financial Secretary we’re going to have the Financial Secretary, the Contractor General, and the Auditor General to come in to talk to the Cabinet to explain to them the FARA, the Finance and Audit Reform Act,  the store control supply, and the financial orders. And during that presentation I’m also bringing in the CEOs so that both the CEO and the minister have a direct understanding of what can be done.”

In Belize, Stores Orders are the regulations that guide how government ministries and departments procure goods and services and manage inventory. Together with the Financial Orders, they are designed to ensure that public purchases are fair, economical, transparent and protected from waste or abuse.