Belize signs OAS anti-corruption treaty

Although it does not seem to be a top agenda item domestically, this week Belize took a major step internationally to fight against the evils of official corruption. On Tuesday at the Organisation of American States General Assembly in Costa Rica, Belize signed the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. The treaty, credited in 1996, is the first of its kind in the world and required its signatures to adopt laws making the solicitation or acceptance of bribes by public officials a crime. It also mandates legislation promoting transparency in government transactions. Signing on behalf of Belize was Ambassador to the OAS, Lisa Shoman. Twenty-nine countries have signed the convention, and twenty-two have ratified it.