One week ago he filed a corruption complaint against Oscar Mira at the Integrity Commission, and today the UDP Caretaker for Belize Rural Central got a response from the commission. While he would not share a physical copy of the letter today, their response details that there is "sufficient evidence" to support his complaint. He now has 30 days to submit more evidence and find witnesses. We asked him if he is satisfied:
Edward Broaster, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural Central
"Well, today I received an email from the Integrity Commission, confirming that they have received the complaint and that within the context of the complaint being made, they will launch an investigation into the matter."
Jomarie Lanza:
"What does this development mean to you?"
Edward Broaster:
"Well, it means that the process works, and given the public interest that this complaint has generated, it is only right that the public be aware that the Integrity Commission has confirmed that they will be acting upon the complaint."
"The fact of the matter is that we are alleging that the finance act has been breached. Given the section that we court to the Security Services Commission, we expected that the Integrity Commission would act on the complaint that we have registered with them, and it is in the public interest. The payments are very irregular, and the Belizean people deserve answers and accountability to what is being done with their taxpaying money."
"The response was very lengthy. It also include that we have 30 days to provide more witnesses or evidence to substantiate the complaint that we have made."
Jomarie Lanza:
"Did you at any point have any doubts that this would be the initial outcome?"
Edward Broaster:
"I had no doubt. Like I said before, the Integrity Commission is laden with integrity-or should be laden with integrity-and the Belizean people expect no less than accountability for their money."
Jomarie Lanza:
"Did you expect that they would have responded to you so quickly, the Integrity Commission?"
Edward Broaster:
"Well, yes, we expected that we would have gotten a response within five business days, right? So we made the report last week Tuesday, so we are satisfied with getting the response today. And the response we have received, we feel encouraged that the process will take its course, and whatever the evidence leads, so be it."
We'll keep following up on the process.
