BELIZE-Another government minister proceeds on leave.

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Prime Minister John Briceño on Thursday said he had assumed the responsibilities of the Minister of National Defense and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr, who has been allowed to “immediately proceed on a leave of absence”.

A brief statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Marin had proceeded on leave “while an audit is conducted in the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security.

“The Prime Minister has approved the leave of absence, effective immediately, and for a period of 90 days, to allow the audit of that Ministry for the period 2019-2026 to proceed without any perception of hindrance or interference,” the statement said.

It said that Briceño will serve as Minister of National Defense and Border Security in the interim.

This is the second senior government minister to be granted a leave of absence within two weeks to allow the Auditor General to review specific procurement processes.

“It is important for the public to know that concerns regarding Ministerial conduct are taken seriously,” said Prime Minister Briceño with reference to the Home Affairs Minister, Oscar Mira, being allowed to go on leave.

Briceño said then that “our duty is to secure value for taxpayer dollars as well as compliance with procurement regulations”.