Former U.K. High Commissioner subject of government civil suit

The government is trying to sue one of Belize’s former diplomats for allegedly misappropriating funds allocated to our High Commission in the United Kingdom. Diana Locke of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed today that the government is attempting to recover one hundred and forty thousand dollars from former High Commissioner Ursula Barrow. Although Locke says her office cannot comment any further on the matter at this time, unofficial sources tell News Five the allegations against Barrow include her use of Belizean taxpayers money for personal expenditures and unauthorized travel expenses. The government has made an application to serve Barrow with a summons at her home in the United Kingdom. Chief Justice Manuel Sosa is now considering the matter. His office says he has adjourned the case until he rules on the application at a date to be announced. Under the first U.D.P. administration Barrow was appointed Ambassador to the United Nations and was Belize’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1993 to 1998.