Oscar Mira Faces Crime Fighting and Budna Fallout

And, as Oscar Mira steps into his new role as Minister of Home Affairs, he inherits not only the immense responsibility of tackling crime but also the lingering stench of the Joseph Budna investigation. This is a case that has eroded public trust in the Belize Police Department. With the file now in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Mira insisting on a hands-off approach, the question remains, can he restore confidence in law enforcement while distancing himself from a controversy that refuses to go away?

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“I believe that file has been sent to the DPP and it is her job to do whatever she choose to do and to give whatever advice she needs to do and I leave it at that. That file has been sent to the DPP. It is her job to give us the advice we need.”

 

Reporter

“Aren’t you concerned that it seems there is not much in the file as it relates to the police investigation?”

 

Oscar Mira

“I have not seen the file. That file is with the DPP and I just got in this week. I will not put my one cents or two cents in that investigation. It has been sent to the DPP and it is her job to give us that recommendation.”

 

Reporter

“Do you believe the tape should be released?”

 

Oscar Mira

“I will not go into any of the investigation. That is not for me to do. That has been done. The investigation has happened and whatever recommendations come from the DPP we will follow.”

 

Paul Lopez

“We know that this has significantly deteriorated public trust, something that you are passionate about rebuilding. How do you do that when you are taking a hands off approach to this issue.”

 

Oscar Mira

“I think you are getting it wrong. The trust that we will work for we will get it back, because we will work to get it back. However, I cannot interfere on an investigation that has already been concluded. That is not for me to do.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How serious are you about ensuring that justice is served in this situation, whether it is Mr. Budna or any other individual, are you on the side of justice?”

 

Oscar Mira

“I don’t know why you even ask that question, why would I not be on the side of justice, why, I cant understand why.”