5 fired, as S.S.B. admits trouble with cards

With the nation’s attention riveted to a scandal over the illegal granting of Belizean nationality, another suspected case of identity documents for sale has received less media scrutiny. Today, however, in a late afternoon press release, the Social Security Board essentially admitted that it’s own highly touted cards have been issued to people who ought not to have them. According to the release, five employees have been fired from the Belize City branch office, having been found “grossly negligent in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.” This negligence, says the S.S.B., may have caused the unlawful issuing of ID cards. These cards would be valuable to illegal aliens seeking employment in Belize. What may happen next to the five former employees is not clear, although the board has vowed to take legal action against anyone attempting to defraud the system. It looks like the Police Department’s ad hoc fraud squad is going to have a very busy month.