Section 1

4 Commissions of Inquiry Ch. 70. [12th October, 1989.] WHEREAS a sum of $6,600,000.00 was allocated by the Government of Belize for the fiscal year 1989 - 90 for “Community Development Projects” to be carried out in the various Constituencies in the country; AND WHEREAS a Preliminary Audit has revealed that the Accounting Officers and Warrant Holders abdicated their responsibilities in the administration of these funds as set out in the Control of Public Expenditure Handbook, whether through fear, favour, superior orders or otherwise; AND WHEREAS the Projects undertaken were, to a large extent, executed under the direct supervision of the Area Representatives and their Political Officers; AND WHEREAS the works were carried out, to a large extent, by verbal contracts and verbal orders between the Area Representatives, Political Officers and private individuals; Commissions of Inquiry 5 AND WHEREAS the Preliminary Audit indicates irregularities, mismanagement and non-compliance with government regulations; AND WHEREAS it seems desirable to the Prime Minister that a Commission of Inquiry shall issue as hereinafter mentioned; NOW KNOW YE that by virtue of the powers and authority in me vested by section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 70 of the Laws of Belize ,1980, I by this Commission appoint you the said ROY COOTE, STANLEY ERMEAV, GEORGE SWIFT and REV. LLOYD LOPEZ to be Commissioners for the purpose hereinafter mentioned with all the powers by the said Act conferred and I do authorise you the said Commissioners in the manner in the said Act provided to make a full, faithful and impartial inquiry into the financial and administrative management of the said Community Development Projects funded by Government since 1st April 1989, with specific reference to the following matters, to wit– (a) to determine whether any improprieties and irregularities were committed and, if so, the persons responsible therefor; (b) to determine whether the government regulations respecting the control of public expenditure were duly complied with by all concerned; (c) to determine whether the funds and/or materials intended for the said Projects were in any manner misappropriated and, if so, the persons responsible therefor; (d) to determine whether the Government has received value for the money expended; 6 Commissions of Inquiry (e) to determine whether persons employed as Contractors/Supervisors possessed the necessary knowledge and skills to properly execute the works; (f) to determine whether the quality of workmanship displayed on the various projects was up to the required standards. I DIRECT THAT you the said ROY COOTE shall be the Chairman of the said Commission to hold the Inquiry aforesaid, and I also direct that each of you having made and subscribed an oath or affirmation as required by law and having deposited the same with the Secretary to the Cabinet, you do hold your meetings at such place or places and at such time or times as you the said Commissioners may appoint and that you the said Commissioners do make report as soon as may be practicable of the result of your Inquiry with such comments and recommendations as you may think fit, furnishing me with a full statement of your proceedings and of the reasons leading to the conclusions and recommendations at which you may arrive or report. I DO HEREBY DIRECT that the Inquiry shall, except when you deem it necessary or advisable to do otherwise, be held in public. AND I DO HEREBY REQUIRE AND DIRECT all public officers and other persons to whom you may apply for assistance or information for the purposes of your inquiries and investigation to render all such assistance and furnish all such information as may be rendered and furnished in that behalf.