The Public Service Union is calling for an investigation into the disposal of government assets at the, quote, "obscenely low prices".
They say that in the month of September, they received reliable reports that the Ministry of Finance, via the Assets and Utilities Management Unit, was facilitating the, quote, "the fire sale of government vehicles… well below the market value to now-former Ministers of Government and their political cronies". End quote.
They made a formal inquiry to the Assets and Utility Manager, Ruperto Vicente, and copied that letter to Joseph Waight, the Financial Secretary. They requested a detailed listing of all government vehicles purchased and disposed of over the last 8 years, and specifically, the individuals, departments, and costs associated with the purchases and disposals of the list of vehicles.
They say that they have kept reminding Vicente of the requested information through email and a second formal request. They assert that up to now, Vicente hasn't responded to them on what should be public information.
They are now alleging that they've received reports that the Ministry of Finance allegedly facilitated the sale of government vehicles for as low as $200.
They are also insisting that other government assets, including costly office furniture and high-priced electronic equipment, are also being sold at significantly reduced prices.
Their statement says quote, "The PSU calls on the Prime Minister to direct an investigation into the unprincipled if not corrupt disposal of Government Assets over the last 12 months… with a specific focus on the months leading up to the General Elections. The PSU also calls on the Prime Minister to hold accountable those Senior Public Officers who facilitated, approved, and sanctioned the fire sale of Government Assets which will now collectively cost the Belizean taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace." End quote.
