O.A.S. Releases Anti-Corruption Report on Belize

The Organization of American States Anti-Corruption Mechanism has released a fifty-five page report on Belize. It follows the visit of the Committee of Experts for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption back in April.  The team interviewed representatives of four oversight bodies responsible for preventing, detecting and punishing corruption as well as members of civil society. The agencies included the Offices of the Auditor General, Services Commissions, the Ministry of the Public Service as well as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Generally, the report is recommending that the oversight bodies be provided with the resources to properly carry out their functions. Specifically, though with respect to the Office of the Auditor General, the report suggests that mechanisms are put in place to enable adequate follow-up, implementation and compliance with its recommendations. In relation to the Services Commissions, it is to publish an annual report summarizing its activities and maintain adequate records. With regards to the Public Service, the report recommends updating the Public Service Regulations and the publishing of an annual summary of its activities. The D.P.P.’s office is similarly required to prepare and publish an annual report of its activities and to ensure that there is adequate coordination between police prosecutors and Crown Counsels. Notably, there are some recommendations made during the First Round of the MESICIC which remain pending. Those include the strengthening of the financial declarations system, the operation of the Integrity Commission, as well as the strengthening of the system of access to information.