Minister Mira Meets Free Zone Officials Amid Crime and Corruption Allegations

In his new capacity overseeing enterprise matters, Minister Oscar Mira convened an initial high-level meeting with Corozal Free Zone administrators.  The meeting, held just days after mounting allegations of crime, corruption, and illicit trade inside the Zone, focused on addressing recent troubling reports and restoring confidence among business owners, employees and the public.  Over the past weeks, the Corozal Free Zone has been under intense scrutiny. Local media have reported allegations of criminal influence and corruption within the facility, including accusations that certain corrupt actors, described as well-connected and politically protected, are allegedly controlling cargo clearance, demanding illicit “special fees,” and dictating what goods are allowed or delayed. Love News understands that during the meeting, Minister Mira emphasized the urgency of restoring transparency, safeguarding legitimate trade, and protecting jobs.

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs: “Enterprise just falls does falls under my responsibility. I have had meetings with the management of the free zone in Corozal. I am having a scheduled meeting with the investors in the Corozal Free Zone. I want to make sure that we have the environment for business to happen. The Corozal Free Zone employs over 1,500 persons directly and we want to make sure that the environment is there where the investors feel safe to invest and to do business. It is my hope that in the next board meeting that we have with the Corozal Free Zone that some recommendations are given and we are going to adapt the best recommendations that I can get for business to happen in the free zone. “

As it pertains to criminal activity in the zone, just last month, the Belize Coast Guard confiscated roughly 400 boxes of cigarettes and other cargo just outside the Zone’s perimeter. Minister Mira told Love News that the government is committed to a full review of the Zone’s operations and promised “multiple follow-up meetings in the pipeline” addressing security, compliance and business integrity.