Should the Government of Belize Host Daily Press Conference

The Mexican Government has recently adapted to hosting daily press conferences, a major step to provide transparency, public information, and accountability from the nation’s leaders. We asked Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca if this communication scheme is possible for Belize’s government to allow journalists to ask questions, clarifying information and holding officials accountable.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I would say that the president Belize has, in my view great access to our leaders that you don’t have in many other countries. In a country like Mexico that’s so large, You can understand perhaps the importance of the president following the tradition. Of course, this is a new tradition in Mexico too, right? It was started by the current president’s predecessor Amlo, president Amlo, he started that practice. Obviously, I am a great supporter of greater access for the media. The more opportunities you have to ask our leaders questions it’s good for democracy, good for Belize. But I would say that, in Belize you have great access to the prime minister of this country. He makes himself always accessible, available. He goes on many morning shows. You all know where he will be almost every day. So you can access him and you also have access to ministers of government. So we’re always open to new ways of improving access. So that there can be greater accountability, more transparency, all of those things. So yeah, we’re open to that.”