Accused of Extortion, Reynaldo Verde Applies for Early Retirement

Reynaldo Verde

Reynaldo Verde, Former Deputy Director of the Belize Tax Service, remains incarcerated in the U.S. after he was nabbed by F.B.I. officials on September seventh 2019, on a charge of extortion and attempted extortion. Verde has denied any wrong doing. The allegation brought against him was made by owner of Orchid Bay in Corozal, Chris Williams who says that Verde attempted to collect three hundred and fifty-thousand dollars to wipe away taxes owed by Orchid Bay. At the time, the government said that Verde’s employment status was unknown since he pleaded not guilty. The Public Service Commission was to determine Verde’s employment status but as Financial Secretary Joseph Waight confirmed, Verde has applied for early retirement. If the commission approves the request, Verde will receive a small pension.

On the Phone: Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary

“He must anticipate a small pension if his retirement is approved. It is still in the process. He has applied for retirement, early retirement. It is within the public service regulations, after so many years you can ask for early retirement. His request is going through the Public Service Commission. If it is approved he will receive a small pension when the turns fifty-five. I don’t know his exact age but he is a young man, I think he is in his mid-forties.”