Governance commission seeks more power

The Belize Governance Improvement Commission this week submitted its first position paper to the Prime Minister… and almost a year after its creation the body is flexing its muscles. Citing a “worsening atmosphere of cynicism” and “recurring doubts… of government’s commitment to the reform agenda” the thirteen-member body is seeking a broader mandate and increased powers to carry out its work. Specifically, the Commission has made a number of recommendations to the Prime Minister, which include:

–Making the commission a permanent legal body

–Revised terms of reference, which include the power to investigate individual cases of wrongdoing in government

–Clear guidelines for appointment and removal of commissioners

Chairman of the Commission is former C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, David Gibson. According to its press release, the position paper sent to the Prime Minister was unanimously approved by the Commission’s members.