Opposition Leader Rejects Possible Mira Cabinet Return

No audit, no answers and, according to Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, no return to Cabinet for Oscar Mira. His three-month leave has ended, but Prime Minister John Briceño says a decision on his future remains pending. Panton insists Mira should not resume oversight of the Belize Police Department until the government releases the findings of its promised audit and investigation.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“Absolutely not. On- under… There has been no report on, on, on what has been found or what has not been found. You see, the Briceño administration operates that we will let it rest for a while. When sweep it under the runner, we continue. We cannot continue to accept that level of disrespect. There should have been an audit. There should have been an investigation. We were promised that a report would be forthcoming. It has not been con- forthcoming. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Mira is compromised. The facts need to be presented to the Belizean people and should not return to the ministry responsible for the police.”

 

Auditors are investigating procurement concerns involving Oscar Mira and members of his family. Auditor General Maria Rodriguez says the conflict-of-interest findings should be ready by month’s end.

 

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.

 

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