Isabella Zabaneh Pushes Back on Criticism Amid Procurement Debate

Former Miss Universe Belize, Isabella Zabaneh, is defending herself after days of criticism over her call to raise government’s ten-thousand-dollar procurement threshold. In a statement, Zabaneh claims that she does not defend corruption under any circumstances, explaining that her comments at the People’s United Party National Party Council in Dangriga were made not as a Miss Universe titleholder, but as a private citizen and voter. Her remarks come as the “Mira Millions” investigation at the Ministry of Defense continues to shine a spotlight on government spending practices. In the statement, Zabaneh stood by her position that procurement rules should be reviewed to reflect today’s economic realities while maintaining strong oversight, writing, quote, “Belize deserves a government that is both efficient and accountable. We should never have to choose between strong oversight and effective administration. Good governance is not about sacrificing one for the other; it is about designing systems that achieve both” End quote. Following the backlash, supporters within the PUP’s United Women’s Group have rallied behind her, calling the public outrage malicious.

 

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