And while that systemic problem is pervasive, there is another issue sitting right in Auditor-General Rodriguez's own backyard. Her roots are in San Joaquin village—the heart of Corozal Southeast. That happens to be the exact constituency represented by former Minister of Defence, Florencio Marin—whose tenure she is now auditing. To make matters tighter, two of the top BDF ration suppliers that popped up after 2020—Kukulcan and A&Y Fresh Vegetables—are both headquartered right there in Corozal Southeast. We asked her about that appearance of political proximity:
Maria Rodriguez, Auditor-General - Office of the Auditor-General
"Regarding my constituency, it's not my fault that I was born in that village. I don't believe anybody can come out outright and say, 'Oh, because I'm from this village, I have to be this political party,' right? So that misconception, and I'm glad you asked, because I would like to clarify, that I have not lived in that village. I go there to visit my family, my beautiful family. I go there to visit my family. So it's enshrined in me to be there, but my work is in Belmopan. So where I vote, I don't think should be anybody's business. I choose where to vote."
Jaleeza Roberts, Reporter
"And do you feel intimidated in any way, knowing that this is where you come from, this is where you vote, and this is what's happening?"
Maria Rodriguez
"Not at all. I don't believe anyone can intimidate me at this point. I think others are intimidated, and that is why the talking is out there."
