By Belize Live News Staff: The controversy surrounding Minister Oscar Mira has reached the Integrity Commission, after an opposition figure filed a formal corruption complaint against him.
Edward Broaster, the United Democratic Party caretaker for Belize Rural Central, confirmed that he submitted the complaint, saying he wanted to ensure the matter is formally examined. According to Broaster, a report had to be made for any investigation to take place, and he said he chose to step forward himself. He insisted he was acting on behalf of ordinary Belizeans across the political divide who he said are frustrated with corruption, and that the move was not about politics.
Broaster said he placed his trust in the Integrity Commission as an institution and called on those who serve in it to demonstrate their integrity by conducting a thorough investigation. He said he hoped the commission would follow its established policies and procedures and that the public would ultimately get answers about how public funds were spent. He acknowledged he had no indication of when he might receive a response.
The Integrity Commission is the body established to receive and consider complaints of this nature against people in public life. Importantly, the filing of a complaint is the start of a process and does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
The complaint comes against the backdrop of weeks of scrutiny over government payments to businesses connected to members of Mira’s family. Mira has consistently denied playing any role in awarding contracts or directing payments, maintaining that procurement decisions are made by committees rather than ministers. Separately, the government has asked the Auditor General to audit the Ministry of Defence for the relevant period, a review expected to take about three months. No conclusions have been reached.
Broaster noted that he discussed the complaint with his party leader before filing it.
