Will the Books be Opened for BIMFF Expenses?

Julius Espat

A request has been made by the Leader of the Opposition for the books to be opened and proper accounting be carried out in respect of expenditures relating to the recently held Belize International Music and Food Festival.  When asked about accountability for the use of public funds to cover the cost of the festival, PM Briceño bristled at the question.  On the other hand, Cabinet Minister Julius Espat says, yes, the books should be opened and made public.

Reporter

“As someone who has long advocated for transparency in public accounting and the use of monies from the public purse, how do you respond to, perhaps, a general request being made for a thorough accounting being made of the Belize International Music and Food Festival expenditure?”

Julius Espat, Cabinet Minister

 “I don’t think that should be a problem.  If a request is made, it should be answered by any one of us.  We have done so in the past.  Our ministry has been requested information from various media entities and we have complied.  I believe we should all comply.  I got wahn problem wid the statutory bodies that seem to have a different rule than us in the ministry, so maybe that is one of the reform issues that need to be held, but that they still have to be accountable, yes.”