Who’s Filing and Who’s Not?

Transparency in public office is once again under scrutiny following a social media post by Infrastructure Minister Julius Espat announcing that he has submitted his 14th declaration to the Integrity Commission.

In a post shared Wednesday, Espat wrote, “Today I had the honor of submitting my 14th Integrity Commission Report as the representative for the Cayo South Constituency. Transparency and accountability remain at the core of public service, and I am committed to upholding these principles. Grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

His announcement has renewed public discussion about whether other elected officials are keeping up with their own legal obligations.

Under Belize law, elected representatives, senators, and town and city councilors are required to file annual declarations with the Integrity Commission by March 1st each year. The filings are intended to promote transparency and good governance by requiring public officials to declare their assets and financial interests.

Today, Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Henry Charles Usher, Area Representative for Fort George, confirmed that he is current with his submission.

“I’m up to date and I was on time. The Integrity Commission filings are due on March first of each year, so I was on time. I didn’t have to ask for an extension,” Usher said.

When asked whether the Integrity Commission has sufficient enforcement powers to hold officials accountable, Usher pointed to the existing legal framework.

“I think that the law, the legislation is there to hold public officers to account. Remember this is part of good governance for elected officials to make sure that they produce these filings every year. It has to be done on time,” he said.

Full interview tonight on News 5 Live