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The controversy surrounding Oscar Mira has now made its way to the Integrity Commission. This morning, just after ten o’clock, UDP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural Central Edward Broaster visited the Integrity Commission office to formally submit a complaint concerning the allegations that have emerged in recent days regarding government contracts awarded to businesses linked to members of Minister Mira’s family. Speaking with Love News following the submission, Broaster said he handed over a three-page complaint supported by a substantial body of evidence, which he believes warrants a thorough review by the Commission. According to Broaster, the submission includes 108 pages of supporting documents which he says raise serious questions that deserve independent scrutiny.
Edward Broaster, Standard Bearer, Belize Rural Central: “Well, the complaint entails section 34 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, chapter 105 of the Substance of Laws of Belize for which I have reasonable grounds to believe that the Honourable Oscar Mira, a person in public life under section 2 of the Act, is in breach of the provisions of this Act.”
Reporter: What did the secretariat say when you filed the complaint?
Edward Broaster, Standard Bearer, Belize Rural Central: “Well, first she said she would sign for it and then someone else came and told her, “You better check with the chairperson and let him take it to the chairperson.” And then they made some phone calls and then they were told to accept it. And I then showed that they signed the receipt, which is this, to indicate that they have received the three-page report along with 104 pages of document, 56 of which is for MP farms and 48 is for Jenny Mira.”
Reporter: So it is accepted and received. What are you hoping to accomplish from submitting this complaint?
Edward Broaster, Standard Bearer, Belize Rural Central: “Well, I am hoping that the Integrity Commission does their job, do their job, and ensure that a thorough and proper investigation is carried out so that we can get to the bottom of the allegations being made against the Honorable Oscar Mera and his family.”
Broaster said he is hopeful that the newly appointed Integrity Commission will carry out its responsibilities without fear or favor and examine the information presented to determine whether any breaches of integrity standards may have occurred. During a media briefing outside the Commission’s office, Broaster was asked whether his actions were motivated by genuine concern or simply an attempt to score political points against the government. He rejected the suggestion, insisting that his complaint was made in the interest of good governance and public accountability. Broaster also took aim at Prime Minister John Briceño, arguing that the Prime Minister has been slow to act decisively on the matter. He said stronger action should have been taken sooner given the seriousness of the allegations and the public concern they have generated.
Edward Broaster, Standard Bearer, Belize Rural Central: “The Prime Minister, in his own words has been saying that we should not be tolerating corruption and we should put people in prison and so forth. So giving Oscar Mira a three-month vacation or three-month leave is a far cry from what he has been advocating for and I just hope that he will uphold the standards and the rhetoric that he has been pushing against people dealing with corruption in public life.”
Reporter: I have to ask, Mr.Broaster, who is this process today about? Is it really about getting to the bottom of this situation or these allegations? Or is it about you gaining political points as an aspiring politician?
Edward Broaster, Standard Bearer, Belize Rural Central: “As an aspiring politician and a person who is not afraid of no one and who is not afraid of anything, I am here to make a report on behalf of the poor people of Belize, the public purse. My tax dollars, your tax dollars, everybody’s tax dollars is being squandered, right? Or allegedly squandered. So we need to ensure that this is investigated properly and if there is any wrongdoing that comes out that they deal with it. Now you see me, I come out here in green and in khaki. I don’t come out here in red, no blue. I don’t come out here in no colours. This is not politics.”
Whether the Integrity Commission decides to pursue the complaint remains to be seen. However, Broaster’s submission marks the first formal complaint filed with the body in relation to the ongoing Mira controversy.
English (US) ·