Section 1

20 Commissions of Inquiry Ch.70. [9th October, 1993.] WHEREAS, allegations of political corruption and mismanagement under the previous administration have led to public demands for a full-scale investigation by an independent tribunal; AND WHEREAS, a special investigation team consisting of public officials was instituted to investigate and ascertain the extent of the information to support such allegations; AND WHEREAS, based on the information gathered, the investigation moved into its second phase with the appointment of an Independent Task Force to advise Government on how best to proceed as the information gathering continues; AND WHEREAS, I have been advised by the Chairman of the Independent Task Force that the investigation can best proceed through a Commission of Inquiry; it, therefore, seems to me desirable to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to enquire into the said allegations and to make recommendations to eliminate corruption in public life and to enhance integrity, accountability and performance in the management of public affairs; Commissions of Inquiry 21 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, MANUEL ESQUIVEL, PRIME MINISTER of Belize, do by this Commission appoint you the said ADALBERT TUCKER, ESQUIRE, DENYS BARROW, ESQUIRE and BERNARD MAHLER, ESQUIRE, to be Commissioners for the purposes hereinafter mentioned with all the powers by the said Act conferred and I DO authorize you the said Commissioners in the manner in the said Act provided to make a full, faithful and impartial inquiry into the said allegations with specific reference to the following matters, to wit– (a) allegations of wide-spread corruption, mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds under the previous administration; (b) whether any criminal offence has been committed by any person and if so, to make recommendations for appropriate action; (c) systems, procedures, and processes in various ministries, departments and other areas indicated by the investigation; (d) any other matter relating to the above. I DIRECT that you the said ADALBERT TUCKER, Esquire, 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 inquiries 22 Commissions of 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. AND that in addition to the aforesaid inquiry, you do (a) identify, prioritise, launch and coordinate investigations necessary at various levels in Belize and abroad and the efforts of the Special Investigation team appointed by Government; (b) make specific recommendations on strategies, structures, mechanisms and other safeguards that are required to eliminate corruption, and enhance integrity, accountability and performance in the management of public affairs; (c) make recommendations for legislative and other action, including orientation and training of officials and other persons in public life that will be required to secure compliance with the recommended changes. 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 that all public officers and other persons to whom you may apply for assistance or information for the purposes of your investigation to render all such assistance and furnish all such information as may be rendered and furnished in that behalf. Commissions of Inquiry 23 MADE at Belmopan this 7th day of October, 1993. Prime Minister