The Belize Social Investment Fund is pushing back tonight against what it calls “misleading and unsubstantiated” claims circulating online about how it awards contracts. In a strongly worded statement released today, SIF flatly rejected accusations of favoritism and improper influence, warning that the allegations could undermine public trust and confidence among its partners and beneficiaries. The Fund says its reputation, and the integrity of its work, is on the line. SIF, which manages major development projects across the country, insists its procurement process is tightly controlled and built on transparency. According to the agency, contracts, especially those above certain thresholds, are awarded through open, competitive bidding, with companies evaluated on clear technical, financial and legal criteria. The Fund also highlights multiple layers of oversight, from independent evaluation committees to external audits and monitoring by international development partners. Those safeguards, SIF says, are designed specifically to prevent the kind of misconduct now being alleged. While the claims continue to circulate, SIF maintains that its process is fair, accountable, and rooted in value for money, not favoritism.
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