The Belize City Council has confirmed the suspension of payroll clerk, Shirlene Sabal, as it commences its investigation into allegations of “bogus” overtime payments made to junior-level employees at some point during the previous administration.
As the Council takes office today, Monday, after having been sworn in on Friday, Mayor Darrell Bradley reported that after being briefed on Thursday morning last, he ordered an immediate investigation and commissioned an audit team, which will consist of both external and internal investigators, to review the Council’s records.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Bradley maintained, “decisive action” would be taken.
City Administrator Candice Burke confirmed today that Shirlene Sabal has been sent home on half-pay pending the outcome of the investigation, but declined to give details about the extent, and especially the amount of the money lost, because the investigation is “early”.
Burke did deny, however, a reported figure of $50,000 as alleged by other media, saying that the actual figure is still being determined.
The City Administrator has promised to keep us abreast of the Council’s investigative work.
As for remedies to halt further abuses, Bradley has proposed tightening the Council’s belt internally with legislation and a codified set of rules, with penalties for non-compliance for all, from Councilor to ordinary worker.
The Council has also met with staff to preach its new message of transparency and accountability in municipal affairs.