7 News Belize

Minister Boots Again Accused of Irregularities
posted (March 2, 2018)
UDP Minister of Human Development and Poverty Alleviation Anthony Boots Martinez remains under sustained fire tonight.

The PUP have released another tranche of documents suggesting that he acted inappropriately and exceeded his authority in doling out community service funds to his supporters.

The Opposition has sent our newsroom copies of seven smart-stream screenshots which show a total of $49,700 dollars disbursed for what are called "community service" grants.

What's unusual about these is the timing, first of all. The dates on the transactions show that they were all entered into the system three days ago, a short time before the election. And second, what really jumps out is that the approvals came directly from Minister Martinez. Typically, such approvals would come from the CEO who is the Ministry's accounting officer.

Today, Martinez told us, first off, the monies haven't been paid out from Treasury yet. And that's because he claims they need backing documents to legitimize the type of assistance. He says all such approvals have to be substantiated by a proposal.

He told us that indeed he did authorize them - which he doesn't usually do - but he says that does not make it an unusual transaction.

He says the disbursements are legitimate. He says John Pollard - who is an ardent supporter and ally - will be using his $6,200 for a clean up on Jane Usher Boulevard. He says another person applied for a football program in rural Cayo. He says all these are backed up by proposals.

Martinez adds that the money comes from the "Official Charity Fund" - which has a set annual and monthly budget.

The PUP says it is highly irregular and looks very much like covert campaign financing with public funds.

Yesterday the opposition leader expressed his outrage:

Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition
"What is he going to do about Boots Martinez? How could you get into some scams where - the only poverty that he has alleviate was himself and the people around him."

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