Chamber Says Integrity Commission, Senate Attacks Are Means of Corruption

In light of recent developments in the Senate as well as by the Integrity Commission, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry today issued a statement condemning acts of corruption. The Chamber believes that “corruption continues to grow throughout the economy, enriching the few at the expense of the many, yet an ongoing shortage of political will continues to deny us the chance to halt the actions of the corrupt and give our small economy a chance to grow for the benefit of all.” The organization points to the recent egregious decision by the Integrity Commission to forgo required filings by public officials beyond the past year. That decision, says the organization, has robbed Belizeans of their right to know fully whether their elected and appointed public officials have exercised proper stewardship of our assets without improper personal gain. The Chamber argues that there is no limitation to the Commission’s power to investigate retroactively so it calls on the Commission to reverse that decision and mandate that all Members of the National Assembly and public officials comply with their statutory obligation to file returns—not just for five years, but commencing with the date when they assumed public office. The Chamber also refers to the appalling behavior of political operatives, particularly the mace bearer, in interrupting the Senate on Tuesday. It calls for their censure and condemnation of their actions.