Edward Broaster Testifies Before Integrity Commission Over Oscar Mira Complaint

UDP Belize Rural Central Standard Bearer Edward Broaster testified before the Integrity Commission in Belmopan yesterday in connection with his complaint concerning Oscar Mira. Broaster filed the complaint in June, asking the Commission to investigate allegations surrounding government contracts awarded to businesses linked to members of Mira’s family.

Broaster was accompanied by his attorney, Jacqueline Willoughby, who explained the process and the significance of his appearance before the Commission.

Jacqueline Willoughby, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Belize City: “We did go to the tribunal yesterday. We have now submitted our evidence and the manner in which the Interpreting Commission works is providing they have sufficient on their table, they would investigate and much like a Commission of Inquiry, they would pass the file to the DPP. We’re now just in a waiting game. We’ve done our part and we’re just waiting to see what happens next. It is a tribunal so you go and you testify. A complaint was made, the act says in section 34 of the Act once a complaint is made you submit certain documentation and then you go there and you defend that documentation basically and subject yourself to the questions of the commission. I would hope that we have a timely resolution in terms of whether or not it is taken seriously hat is a matter for all of Belize to watch and all of Belize should not encourage it to not be taken seriously. We are confident in the evidence it was factual, it’s been all over the news. It’s in the government system. There’s places where they can go to look to verify if in fact there’s any doubt. But we are confident of what we submitted.”

When he submitted the complaint on June 23, Broaster said he provided a three-page report along with supporting documents. He asked the Commission to examine whether any provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act had been breached.  At the time, Broaster rejected suggestions that the complaint was intended to score political points, saying his concern was accountability and the use of public funds.