11/06/2026
Panton: “Political Office Is Not a License to Steal”
Amid Corruption Concerns
Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton has issued a strong statement condemning what she describes as growing corruption in public life, warning that political office must not be used for personal enrichment.
In a public commentary, Panton said it is “increasingly unacceptable and deeply alarming” to see what she characterizes as signs of abuse of public resources, pointing to “bloated contracts, luxury vehicles, expensive boats, apartment buildings, multiple homes, [and] lucrative investments” that she argues cannot be justified on a government salary.
“The fleecing of resources from the public purse must be treated for what it is: a criminal offense against the Belizean people,” she stated.
Panton further questioned who benefits from such alleged misconduct, highlighting working-class families, vulnerable citizens, and future generations as those ultimately affected by public debt and government borrowing.
She also referenced circulating allegations involving a politically connected family in Belmopan, saying the matter underscores the need for urgent scrutiny and accountability. She called for immediate investigation by oversight bodies including the Contractor General, Accountant General, Financial Secretary, Auditor General, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
“The evidence being circulated… brings into sharp focus the abuse of public resources,” she said, describing the allegations as “egregious.”
Panton reiterated that Belizeans deserve “the gold standard in transparency and accountability” and called for a “zero tolerance policy on corruption,” urging that those implicated be investigated and held accountable under the law.
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