We also spoke with the Minister, Oscar Requena, who was named in the messages about the allegation that he was receiving a kickback from the commission cheques reportedly picked up by Galvez.
Requena denied all the allegations, saying that they were nothing but nonsense. He explained that the ministry's finances are being monitored by the Ministry of Finance and related Galvez's claim that these reports are being spread by someone with an agenda.
Here's what he told us.
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"First of all I want to say that that is total nonsense. Total nonsense. We at the Ministry of Rural Transformation and local government are focused on our work. Today is evidence of that. We have a cadre of highly skilled and professional employees who work at our ministry. We have clear oversight from the Ministry of Finance and other development partners so every operation that we conduct at the Ministry of Rural Transformation is above board and in line with financial regulations."
Courtney Menzies:
"There were several different allegations being made though, one of them was that payments were being approved for incomplete works or works that weren't being executed in the north as well as a sharp increase in spending in the ministry."
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"That is total nonsense. I'll be honest that is total nonsense."
Reporter:
"Has the ministry ever done business with Benny's?"
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"Benny's is one of the largest importers and suppliers of materials that are used at our ministry. In the past we have done business with them."
Courtney Menzies:
"The director, Charles Galvez, has a high school education and it's being said that senior qualified officers with higher degrees were sidelined for him to be put in that position."
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"I have maintained that we have a highly trained professional staff and that is what we work with."
"All I am going to say is that Mr Galvez is a hard worker, he works very hard, he delivers."
Reporter:
"And can you speak to how many road works is currently ongoing in the North? And to the assertion of in completed works being paid for, if we are to go to those areas, will it be that we will see those works completed?"
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"Listen, you should be able to see those works. Those works are there. Those works are there. Bear in mind also, bear in mind also that I recently or, you know, went back to Ministry of Rural Transformation. All right. Okay."
Courtney Menzies:
"And the allegations are that after you went back, that's when all of this, you know, inflation in contracts, increases, the spending…"
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"That is total nonsense. And I will say this to you. This is obviously done by a person or persons who are not happy with how we are directing the ministry, ensuring that we deliver on these services across Belize."
