UDP Demands Oscar Mira’s Removal from Cabinet

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has joined the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) in calling for the immediate removal of Minister Oscar Mira from Cabinet and a full independent investigation into allegations surrounding government contracts awarded to companies owned by his family.

The Opposition said the allegations have raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest, procurement practices, compliance with financial regulations, and the integrity of public administration.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister, John Briceño, confirmed that “Mira has requested that the Prime Minister, in the circumstances, relieve him of his official Cabinet duties for the period during which an audit of those procurement processes is to be conducted by the Auditor General. The duration of the audit is expected to be three months.”

Julius Espat has been appointed as Acting Minister of Home Affairs while retaining his current portfolio as Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing.

The move follows recent media reports that raised questions about procurement practices involving Mira and his family members. The audit is expected to determine whether established procurement and payment procedures were properly followed during the period under review.

Meanwhile, the UDP says that “Administrative leave is not accountability.” The UDP is calling on the Prime Minister to remove Mira from Cabinet and strip him of all ministerial responsibilities while investigations are carried out.

The UDP said anyone found to have participated in wrongdoing, regardless of their position, should be held accountable under the law.

Mira has denied knowing of his relatives’ business transactions.