PM Briceño: Budna Case Likely Heading to DPP

Prime Minister John Briceño says the government is leaning toward handing over the controversial Budna investigation to the Director of Public Prosecutions. “I think it’s time to pass it on to the DPP and let them deal with it,” Briceño told reporters, adding that he will make the recommendation to Cabinet. When pressed about the possibility of an independent investigation, Briceño pushed back. He noted that the Attorney General advised that there is no law allowing the formation of an independent investigative body in Belize, a provision that exists in Jamaica. PM Briceño acknowledged that while the idea of a special review was considered, the case would ultimately end up with the DPP regardless. “Maybe it’s something we have to look at for the future,” he said. The Prime Minister’s comments come amid public calls for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of the Joseph Budna matter.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that we’re coming to the consensus that quite likely, and I will make the recommendation tomorrow to Cabinet, I think it’s time to pass it on to the DPP and let them deal with it.”

 

Reporter

“So, no independent investigation?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Did you hear what I just said?”

 

Reporter

“I did.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Thank you.”

 

Reporter

“The DPP directs the police to go back and investigate.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“So, what do we need to do? What do you want us to do, bring in the FBI?”

 

Reporter

“You all gave the semblance that you were going to do something more serious.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We gave the semblance that once we gave the report, the police report, then to see how best… Now the attorney general has pointed out to us that there is no law that we could put a body together to investigate. I think Jamaica has that law, so maybe it is something that we have to take a look for the future. And so, we pass it on to somebody to review and then what? It will still have to end up with the DPP at some time, I believe. So it is something that we’re considering right now.”