Government Retains Most RECONDEV Board Members Despite SmartStream Controversy

Government has released the names of the not-so-new Board of Directors for the Reconstruction and Development Corporation, RECONDEV. While there had been expectations of a major overhaul following the SmartStream controversy, most of the former board members remain in place.  A letter dated July 16 confirms Myrna “Tibby” Waight as the new chairperson, replacing Brian Mira, the brother of former Minister of State Oscar Mira.  Waight is no stranger to RECONDEV, having previously served as the board’s deputy chairperson. She is also a member of the National Women’s Commission and the People’s United Party’s United Women’s Group.  Waight is the sister of National Trade Union Congress of Belize President Ella Waight. The NTUCB president has since moved to dispel reports circulating about her sister, making it clear that Myrna Waight is not romantically involved with any of the Mira brothers.

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “The question I have to be fair to answer to say that that is my sister, I’m very proud of my sister. She has been doing well as a member of the board and now she is the chair of the board. I’m not sure if she campaigns for Mira but I know she’s a part of the women’s group, the People’s United Women group. I don’t know if they have links to the Mira that I don’t know. But I think people need to understand where RECONDEV originated from. RECONDEV will always be a political board in that sense because it’s a political institution in Belmopan. And I think for you to have a clear understanding, you need to go back and read how RECONDEV  started and for what purpose it is there for. But again, I have to be clear to the public because you asked me the question, that is my sister.”

Four members of the previous board have been retained. They are Cedric Borland, Lysandra Berbey, Wilfredo Galvez and Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich.  The new additions are Government Press Office Director Mike Rudon; George Castro, who was involved in Oscar Mira’s political campaign and had sought to become a PUP councillor candidate in Belmopan; and Carla Bradley.  The board was restructured after leaked SmartStream records raised questions surrounding government contracts and payments involving members of the Mira family. RECONDEV manages government-owned land and other development assets in Belmopan. Its Board of Directors is responsible for providing general oversight of the corporation’s operations and decisions.