Broaster Takes Allegations to Integrity Commission, Targets Minister Mira
UDP caretaker Edward Broaster has moved beyond public criticism and gone straight to the country’s watchdog, filing a formal complaint with the Integrity Commission in Belmopan against Minister Oscar Mira. Armed with what he describes as detailed financial records, Broaster is pushing for investigators to take a hard look at alleged conflicts of interest, abuse of office, and the handling of government contract funds. The submission, delivered today, urges the Commission to dig into the evidence and decide whether the allegations rise to the level of a criminal case, setting the stage for what could become a high-stakes inquiry into ministerial conduct.
Edward Broaster
Edward Broaster, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural Central
“I came here to officially launch a complaint to the Integrity Commission against Oscar Mira, the Minister of home Affairs.”
Paul Lopez
“Speak about what that complaint entails.”
Edward Broaster
“The complaint entails Section 34 (1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, for which I have reasonable ground to believe that the honorable Oscar Mira, a person in public life, under section two of the act is in breach of the provisions of this act. And I ensured that they signed a receipt which is this, to indicate they have received the three-page report along with a hundred and four pages of document, fifty-six of which is MP Farms, and forty-eight is for Jenny Mira. Well I am hoping the Integrity Commission do their job and ensure that a thorough and proper investigation is carried out, so that we can get to the bottom of the allegations being made against the honorable Oscar Miraa and his family.”
Broaster Blasts Mira Leave of Absence as Soft on Corruption
Edward Broaster isn’t holding back. The UDP caretaker is now weighing in on Oscar Mira’s situation, and he’s framing it less as punishment and more as a paid break. Broaster says the outcome should be seen as nothing more than a “three-month vacation,” and argues it sends a troubling message about the government’s commitment to tackling corruption. In his view, the move falls short of real accountability and questions whether Prime Minister John Briceño is as serious about cleaning up misconduct as he has told the public. Here’s how Broaster puts it:
Edward Broaster
Edward Broaster, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural Central
“I think that the prime minister in his own words have been saying we should not be tolerating corruption and putting people in prison and so forth, so giving Minister Mira a three months vacation or three months leave is a far cry from what he is advocating for. I just hope that he will uphold to the standards that he has been pushing against people, dealing with corruption in public life. As an aspiring politician and someone who is not afraid of no one and anything, I am here to make a report on behalf of the poor people of Belize, the public purse. My tax dollars, your tax dollars, everybody tax dollars is being squandered. We need to ensure this is investigated properly. If there is any wrongdoing comes out that they deal with it.”
Broaster says the commission did not give him a timeline, but he expects a swift investigation to be conducted.
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