Minister Dolores Chimes in on Civil Asset Recovery Bill

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

But is there a statute of limitation for this proposed legislation? It’s a question that was posed to Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Dolores Balderamos Garcia. She, too, chimed in on the Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Bill, which the National Trade Union Congress of Belize believes will provide greater transparency and accountability.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“If we want to be a part of the international community and we want to be a respectful player both regionally and internationally, then I think we have to tow the line. It is not nice for everybody because people will say all of a sudden they are going to be looking at me and I don’t have to be criminally charged, but yet they can look at my big house. We have to do it. If we believe in our international commitments to reduce corruption to the best of our ability, then I believe that we need to do it. Now, it has been introduced. There is still a lot of time for our partners to go to the committee at the national assembly to give their input, but I think that we are moving in the right direction. Even though it might pinch somebody toe in their shoes, but I think we have to do this to be a good international player, a good partner in reducing transnational crimes and all that sort of thing.”

Duane Moody

“There are limitations in terms of how far back it goes?”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“Make we see what comes up in the committee.”

Reporter

“Do you think this is one that the public should be paying attention to, just like when the trade license because it may impact them?”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“Absolutely. Absolutely, because if we complaint about people who have these big house and big boat and mansion and hotel and everything and small salary, then we have to be serious at looking into it.”