Mark Lizarraga Condemns ex-Ministers Turned Immigration Agents

Mark Lizarraga

Business Community Senator Mark Lizarraga acted as chair of the Senate Hearings today in place of Aldo Salazar, whom he said had a prior commitment. On the matter of the ex-ministers, whom he would not name, but whom we have identified as from Cayo and Dangriga, acting as Immigration agents, he cried shame. Lizarraga says such persons appeared to be using whatever political influence they had to undermine the integrity of the Immigration Department, despite objections from the Department itself and others.

Mark Lizarraga, Pro-tem Chair, Senate Special Select Committee

“I was surprised that when we visited the Department last week – had you come along with us you have would have seen one of them anyone but we were told that there were two – I just think it’s a shame that people with political influence continue to participate in some practice that is not desired by the Department or recommended by the Auditor General.”

Reporter

“Do you have reason to believe that these persons are using influence as former Ministers?”

Mark Lizarraga

“That is the impression that we get, certainly from speaking to people around and in the Department, yes.”

Reporter

“You did say that one of them openly admitted to being an agent?”

Mark Lizarraga

“Yes; yes that is so.”

Reporter

“Are you able to share details to this conversation, sir? It sounds rather interesting and strange that in these times, when it is viewed as something unsavory, that a former Minister would say yes, I am into this?”

Mark Lizarraga

“I don’t think I need to comment anymore; I think the Director was very forthright in her comments, I think the Auditor General was very clear in what she has said and it’s something that we certainly would like to see discontinued, as has been recommended by the Auditor General and has been endorsed by the Director today.”