Jul 16, 2021
Criminal Investigation into Misappropriation of Unemployment Relief Funds
A criminal investigation is underway by the Belize Police Department to determine whether anyone is legally responsible for the misappropriation of public funds from the Labor Department. Those monies were disbursed via deposits into the accounts of workers who had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of those who qualified for government assistance did not receive the biweekly cash deposits and top-ups. That financial aid was administered through the Unemployment Relief Program. A subsequent review carried out by the Audit Department reveals that the monies were embezzled through various means by employees of the Labor Department who were entrusted with carrying out the disbursements. News Five reached out to Chief Executive Officer, Valentino Shal from the Ministry of Labor. In responding to our query, Shal said, “while this matter occurred before we took offic
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Jul 15, 2021
Chester Williams
Also under investigation are several persons whose names have shown up in an audit report of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program under the Barrow Administration. According to information reaching News Five, the public purse was allegedly fleeced and several persons who were not eligible for relief funds received monies from the program. ComPol Chester Williams says that the National Crimes Investigation Branch is looking into this report.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I received a copy of that report about two to three weeks ago by the Auditor General. We sat and had a very lengthy discussion over it and that matter has been assigned to C.I.B. to investigate as well. I think I saw three prominent names in that report where persons connected to those persons were getting relief funds that they were not entitled to. And so the matter is, like I said, with the police now and we are doing our investigation.”
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Belize Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow issued the following statement today:
I want to give you an update on the state of play regarding our COVID-19 struggles. Before I do so, though, allow me the opportunity to express my best wishes for a speedy recovery for the Right Honourable Said Musa, the ex-Prime Minister of Belize. I understand that he was last night admitted to hospital having suffered what was described as a mild stroke. I’m sure that I join all other Belizeans in wishing him a speedy and completed recovery.
Now in terms of what I propose for this morning, I will make my initial presentation after which the good Dr. Gough will give you an overview of our supplies inventory and our testing trajectory. After that, of course, both of us will take the media’s questions.