Transparency and Accountability via Open Government

Paco Smith

As part of the Action Plan, Paco Smith drafted three of seven project commitments.  They include ensuring that the Government of Belize is compliant with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.  It also considers climate change and its impact on the environment and the resulting socio-economic effects on the country.  The Action Plan also looks to establish open government education in Belize.  Smith further discusses the collaboration between government and its social partners to realize its objectives.

Paco Smith, Belize Peace Movement

“In terms of the synergies, what we want is to have government come onboard and support the effort because if we’re talking about raising the awareness with regards to open government, it really entails the proactive input of government as well because it makes no sense for us to try to enact things on this side and there is no balance.  So the synergies that we seek are very, very critical in regards to liaising with government and all the other constituent parts to bring this forward.”

Isani Cayetano

“What would you think is perhaps the greatest benefit or takeaway for Belizeans in the form of an open government policy?”

Paco Smith

“The one that really stands out, in my mind, is the fact that it will lead towards Belize having more accountability.  It will lead towards Belize having more transparency and it will also lead toward Belize being more inclusive with regards to different stakeholders having their say in terms of how we’re governed.  And not only how we are governed but in terms of the services that are provided through government.”