You'd have to have a looong news memory to recall the Moises Cal scandal. Back in 2007, the former Belizean diplomat allegedly flew into Panama's Tocumen Airport with over one million U.S. dollars in a suitcase, checked baggage that drew the attention of Customs officials. When he was taken in for questioning, Panamanian authorities allege that Cal bribed the Customs officers with over US$100,000.
It was a huge scandal - because Cal used a diplomatic passport and presented himself as a diplomat - even though he had - by that time - left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and declared his candidacy for the PUP in Belmopan. It was a huge embarrassment to the then government because Cal was a former senior diplomat who between 2003 and 2006 represented then Prime Minister Said Musa at many SICA summits.
At the time - here's what the then Foreign Minister said - this was back in 2007:
Jules Vasquez
"Is it your feeling that the embarrassment that Cal has caused the ministry of foreign affairs is significant? this is a man who was the former secretary general of SICA when we held over presidency last time, he travelled through this region posed with presidents on behalf of our prime minister. Is this a great embarrassment that you sit here with these other SICA ministers?"
Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"I think it's a very regrettable thing what Ambassador Cal has done. It has given Belize a black eye, none of us are proud of it, none of us can be proud of it. It has happened and we are trying to continue to do our work in a positive way and we regret very much what has happened."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, was there any family reasons that you are aware of why he stepped out of politics?"
Again that was February of 2007. Since then, Cal has remained very active in PUP politics - and now he's going to take a prominent role in the PUP government.
Cal has been selected to fill one of the most senior posts in government - at the very apex of the public service. The Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie has consulted with the Leader of the Opposition to say that the Prime Minister has advised the Governor that Cal be appointed as Chairman of the Public Services Commission effective July first. That's when the former chair, Charles Gibson's term ended.
The appointment would be for two years.
UDP Leader Shyne Barrow has told us, quote, "the Opposition Vehemently objects to Mr Cal's appointment."
Still, it is expected to proceed nonetheless. We note that the Chairman of the PSC is one of the few constitutionally enshrined posts which are positioned by law to be independent of the political directorate. That the former Chairman was a former UDP Minister is perhaps indicative of how this intent gets deliberately undermined by elected politicians.
In this case, Cal is a PUP politician - but more so a man with a seriously tainted public record - and one who was also, for a time, wanted for questioning by Panamanian authorities after he allegedly fled that country - one million dollars lighter.
