Contractor General Post Vacant Due to ‘Stupid’ Law

Dean Barrow

In the absence of a Contractor General, contracts awarded by the Government are currently being sent to the office of the Solicitor General for revision. Godwin Arzu’s contract was not renewed following complaints made by not only the Opposition but by Social Partner Senators. Arzu had failed to submit six yearly reports during his tenure. While a replacement had been identified, Government’s latest attempt to enter into an agreement with that individual was hindered by what Barrow describes as a “stupid provision in the law.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“The Contractor General, we thought we had somebody and then the person changed his mind, obviously hadn’t adverted to the law which says that once to become Contractor General, and your tenure is up, you can never ever again work in any capacity for the Government of Belize. I myself wasn’t aware of this. I think it is a stupid provision in the law and this was a fairly young lawyer. The guy said that in those circumstances, I no longer want the job.”