Minister Requena Rejects Corruption Allegations 

Minister of Rural Transformation Oscar Requena has rejected allegations of corruption within his ministry. He says the claims are false and without evidence.

The allegations emerged after a message was shared on WhatsApp by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, claiming the “director” received cheques and commissions from a local hardware supplier, in exchange for ministry purchases, with kickbacks allegedly benefiting senior officials.

Requena dismissed the assertions outright. “First of all, I want to say that that is total nonsense,” he said. “Every operation we conduct at the Ministry of Rural Transformation is above-board and in line with financial regulations.”

Claims that the ministry approved payments for incomplete roadworks in northern Belize were also denied as “total nonsense” by Requena.

He said procurement is governed by strict rules, including multiple quotations and oversight by the Ministry of Finance and development partners. “The financial regulations require that we get at least three quotations,” Requena said.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that we go where we get value for money,” he added.

Prime Minister John Briceño has since said checks with the named supplier showed no business dealings with the ministry.