Oscar Mira Finally Speaks to the Media on Allegations
Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira has finally spoken on allegations that family members benefited from millions of dollars in government contracts.
Mira, who had been unreachable for weeks, argued that procurement committees are run by the Ministry of Finance and not ministers, adding that he has never sat on, or attempted to influence, any such committee.
“Tenders are published on the newspaper,” Mira said. “Any interested person can apply and pay for that tender. They then go through a lengthy process. I had no say; I was not part of those committees.” He added that any contracts awarded to family members were obtained independently, without his involvement or influence.
Asked about reports that payments were structured below the $10,000 threshold to avoid Treasury oversight, and whether this could raise concerns about potential financial wrongdoing, Mira acknowledged the concern. “I do not think that anyone wouldn’t be concerned. But was anything illegally done? I do not know,” he said.
The minister conceded that the situation presents poor optics, adding, “I believe that it is probably something that, in every crisis, you learn from, and I myself am trying to make sure that I learn from this.”
He maintained throughout that his role as minister is focused on policy and ministry operations, not finance or procurement, and that he has never been part of any procurement committee in any ministry he has served.