A former senior figure within the opposition United Democratic Party is weighing in on the Briceño administration’s decision to place Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira on leave, amid an ongoing audit into procurement activities at the Ministry of Defense. The move, announced in a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, follows media reports and mounting public concern over transactions undertaken during Mira’s tenure as Junior Minister of Defense, prompting what Prime Minister John Briceno describes as a “thorough and transparent review” by the Auditor General. Alberto August, a former UDP deputy chairman, says the unfolding developments amount to a “blessing in disguise” for Belizeans, arguing that the situation exposes alleged misconduct that might otherwise have remained hidden while citizens grapple with rising living costs.
Alberto August, Former Deputy Chairman, UDP
“My Belizeans, as somewhat of a blessing in disguise, all of this was happening unknown to the Belizean people, unknown to the taxpayers of this country who are being saddled with increasing cost of living, increasing prices of fuel, and here we have these people engaging in this kind of activity. So, all I can say is it appears to the Belizean people to be a blessing in disguise and action is being taken to stem this situation because those in political office, our politicians must understand, it is a basic principle in life. That which is done in darkness will one day come to light. I am calling on those persons, I hear the prime minister said that, and I know that there are already auditors in the Ministry of Defense going through the records there. I want to ask these people, do what is right for the Belizean people, that’s all we’re asking. Do what is right by the Belizean people because if you get in there and you send the message out that all is well, then you would have done the Belizean people a great disservice because other politicians will realize that we can do the same thing and somebody is going to come and cover behind us because they do not want our political party to look bad. This is not about a political party looking good or bad, this is about protecting the taxpayers’ money of this country.”
As the government launches an audit into Defense procurement, former UDP deputy chair August says the controversy lays bare hidden spending and calls for political leaders to protect taxpayers’ money as Minister Oscar Mira steps aside.
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