And in related news, the Belize Social Investment Fund is responding to John Saldivar's allegation that they have been awarding questionable contracts to FAST Construction, which is associated with Oscar Mira's family.
In their press release, they rejected any suggestion of favoritism, improper influence, or preferential treatment. They explained that, quote, "All procurement activities are conducted under stringent procurement, fiduciary, financial management, auditing, and oversight frameworks established by these institutions and are subject to multiple layers of review and accountability." End quote.
They added that contract awards are based on responsiveness and value for money considerations rather than bidder identity and claim that awards have been distributed among a diverse pool of contractors.
Well, today the PSU President said that if that's the case, show us the proof - bring the receipts and the tenders - and let the public decide for themselves. He spoke with us via Zoom.
Dean Flowers, President - PSU
"But I would have seen that bogus if not comical press release from SIF. I mean if you want to come clean with the Belizean people Mr CEO in SIF, Mr CEO in the Ministry of Finance. You hold a press conference and you present the tender documents for FAST Construction and you show the Belizean people whereby they have gotten those contracts because they provide good work and in most cases that the bidding process was competitive. what I can say to you all, you have lied to the Belizean people with that press release. You all know that the tendering process is corrupt. It's corrupt. And I can tell you it is no secret. You all are SIF are paying for cement that cost $70 a sack and in some cases, 100. And if you want to prove me wrong, then call a press conference and bring the tender documents to the public so we can scrutinize it and look at it, bring it all for the past five years, stop taking the Belizean people for a bunch of fools."
