Will the Audit Clear the Air? Defense CEO Weighs In
Even as the Ministry of National Defense finds itself at the center of a widening procurement controversy, officials insist it’s business as usual. With no substantive minister currently at the helm and auditors combing through years of procurement records, the focus now turns to how the ministry is navigating the scrutiny. Chief Executive Officer Francis Usher says the ongoing audit has not slowed operations and, in fact, presents an opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability. We spoke with Usher about the review, the ministry’s response, and why he believes the audit will ultimately bring greater clarity to the questions now being raised.
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Defense
“Currently at the ministry, the Auditor General and her team are going through the files. They’re going through all the files for the audit period, which is from 2019 to 2026 and they are extracting the files that they need, going through that process of checking through everything, and then the audit continues.” 0:30
Shane Williams
“How do you react now that the minister has stepped aside? There’s a limbo that has, has been created. What’s your reaction?”
Francis Usher
“Well, I’m certain another minister will be appointed, at least an acting minister because Minister Marin is – has requested ninety days of administrative leave. We’re awaiting to see who the minister will be. I’m certain that we’ll be notified soon, if not today, then I’m certain tomorrow. But in the time being, the work goes on. I called the staff in earlier. I said, “Hey, this doesn’t change anything. We all know our roles and responsibilities, and we have to ensure that they continue and that we get it done. I take it personally, coming from the belly of the beast, to ensure that the soldiers and sailors have what they need to get the job done. And that is my primary focus, to ensure that one, as the accounting officer, I am accountable for the resources of the ministry, and to ensure that those resources ends up in the hands of the soldiers and sailors so that they can do their duties and their jobs.”
Shane Williams
“Are you concerned at all about what the audit might find?”
Francis Usher
“I’m not, no I am actually relieved that the audit is going on. I am reassured that the audit itself will be – It will put this matter to rest. If there were findings perhaps maybe before my time or even during, about things that we can do better, we’ll implement them. We’re always looking to get better and that has always been my primary focus. How can I do my job better? How can I do or how can I help others to do their jobs better so that we can all get to the desired end state of ensuring that Belize’s national security remains intact?”
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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