In previous installments of the Business Perspective column we had discussed the effects of corruption. In particular, we have discussed empirical studies that have repeatedly underscored the fact that corruption weighs negatively on economic growth and development. However, at this juncture, it is useful to discuss the institutions that are designed to prevent corruption.
Believe it or not, Belize actually has many anti-corruption systems etched into our laws. These include the Prevention of Corruption Act, which gives life to entities such as the Integrity Commission; the office of the Contractor General; the Auditor General; the Freedom of Information Act; the Finance and Audit Reform Act; the Public Accounts Committee (PAC); and several other mechanisms that have the dual purposes of fighting corruption in the public service while simultaneously encouraging increased efficiency in public spending.
However, over the time, there have been significant concerns raised regarding the efficacy of these institutions in their current form. Let us, for example, look at the Auditor General, whose job, in a nutshell, is to analyze how government spent and managed public funds. While it…
