BELIZE CITY, Fri. Feb. 12, 2021– In early January 2021, Hon. Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, lodged an official complaint to the Belize Police Department concerning what he referred to as the prolonged abuse and misuse of public resources by the former Minister of Works, Rene Montero, who allegedly used these resources to carry out development on his personal properties. The former CEO in that Ministry, Errol Gentle, was also accused of being involved in illegal activities.
Reports are that the initial investigation of police into these alleged abuses has been completed and forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The legal merits of this investigation are now under review by the DPP, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, S.C.
After the DPP’s review of the compiled police report, she will determine whether or not the evidence merits criminal proceedings against the former Works Minister, Rene Montero, and his CEO, Errol Gentle.
During an interview with local media, Prime Minister John Briceño commented, “the allegations were that he was using government employees working his farms, government diesel, government pickups; even government heavy-duty equipment was found in his farm.”
PM Briceño shared that various government employees have come forward and have given evidence and affidavits that confirmed the misuse of the Ministry’s resources.
We will continue to follow this issue.