NEAB Calls for Stronger Anti-Corruption Measures

The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) is calling on the government to take stronger action against corruption following recent allegations of financial mismanagement in the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence.

NEAB welcomed the government’s initial response, including the investigation into irregular Smart Stream payments, the leave of absence of ministers Oscar Mira and Florencio Marin Jr., the appointment of Minister Espat to oversee the ministry on an interim basis, and the suspension of the finance officer accused of facilitating the transactions.

However, NEAB says more must be done to restore public confidence. The organisation is urging Prime Minister John Briceño to ensure the investigation is thorough and free from interference; amend the Finance and Audit Act to close existing loopholes; fully implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); pass whistleblower and campaign finance reform legislation; and appoint a new Ombudsman with the authority to carry out the office’s constitutional responsibilities.

The association said the recent allegations have exposed weaknesses in Belize’s financial oversight system and stressed that immediate reforms are needed to strengthen accountability and reduce corruption in government.

Last week, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) submitted a ten-point proposal to Prime Minister John Briceño recommending major reforms to the government’s public financial management systems following the procurement irregularities at the centre of the “Mira Millions” controversy. The Chamber called for upgrades to the SmartStream accounting platform, stronger automated controls to detect irregular payments, enhanced audit measures, and tighter oversight of government spending. Prime Minister Briceño has also announced that Cabinet will soon consider a new centralised electronic procurement system, developed with support from the Inter-American Development Bank, which he says will improve transparency and accountability across all government purchases.