Another powerful voice is now demanding answers, joining the Public Service Union, in the growing Mira contracts controversy. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is calling for Minister Oscar Mira’s immediate resignation and a sweeping independent investigation into millions of dollars in government contracts linked to his family. The union says leaked Smart Stream records point to troubling patterns, raising concerns that payments may have been deliberately structured to dodge financial oversight rules. In a sharply worded statement, the NTUCB warns that the issue goes beyond one minister. It’s now about public trust, transparency, and whether key safeguards meant to protect taxpayer money were ignored or bypassed. The union is also demanding accountability for senior public officers and sweeping reforms to close what it calls “systemic loopholes” in government procurement. Simply put, labor leaders say this goes beyond a scandal; it’s a test of how seriously Belize takes good governance.
Opposition Leader Calls Leave of Absence A Joke
Espat is stepping in, but the Opposition says that’s not enough. They’re demanding a full investigation into all contracts linked to Oscar Mira, and his removal from Cabinet. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton slammed the leave of absence as a “bad joke,” insisting it falls short of accountability and calling on the Prime Minister to act. Meanwhile, the UDP is backing the NTUCB’s call for an independent probe, signaling growing pressure. Bottom line: the Opposition isn’t buying the government’s move, stepping aside isn’t enough.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I think that is so offensive and such a slap in the face to the Belizean people. This is an administration who promised by way of motion in the National Assembly that they would establish the good governance for transparency and accountability in public office. And here we have a member of the executive, a member of Cabinet, and the evidence is staggering. The evidence is overwhelming. And in my opinion, a leave of absence is the bare minimum. Mr. Mira must do the other honorable thing. He should not wait to be removed from his executive responsibilities. In my opinion, Mr. Mira should have volunteered to be removed from cabinet, to be removed from his ministerial appointments. But failing that, the fact that the prime minister of this country who went on record, who moved a motion in the National Assembly, which is tantamount to establishing a law that there would be zero tolerance for corruption. And yet, when corruption has reared its ugly head, they are not willing to act in the best interest of this country, in the best interest of their own government and in the best interest of the people. It, in my view, is wholly and completely unacceptable.”
Mahler Confirms Mira Controversy on the Table for Cabinet Meeting
Tonight, pressure is building inside government as Cabinet prepares for what could be a tense and closely watched meeting. At the center of it all are questions surrounding contracts linked to the relatives of Minister Oscar Mira, who has now been sent on leave. With public scrutiny growing, the issue is set to take center stage when ministers meet on Tuesday. Some within Cabinet are already signaling that this won’t be brushed aside. Julius Espat has made it clear he’s pushing for answers, while Minister Anthony Mahler says his ministry follows strict procurement rules and confirms the controversy is firmly on the agenda.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Cabinet Minister
“Thankfully I’ll speak about my ministry. I have a very competent, able, willing CEO with impeccable integrity who does that for me. I don’t get into that. The government system is too lumbering for my patience, and so she deals with all of that. But we’ll have that discussion in cabinet tomorrow, I believe, and so I’ve been away for a week and a half or so, and we’ll see where that goes.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has since been handed over to Espat following Mira’s leave of absence.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
Watch the full newscast here:
