Dismissal of Mr. Elvin Penner’s Case

For: Press Release
Date: July 24, 2014
Topic: Dismissal of Mr. Elvin Penner’s Case

The Belize People’s Front is alarmed and dismayed on hearing that the charges against Area Representative and Former Minister of State in the Immigration Department, Mr. Elvin Penner have been dropped, due to lack of evidence. While we respect the decision of the court, much more could have been done to ally the doubt that the state was not in collusion with stifling the investigation in an effort to protect the partisan politics that the existing giants maintain. The trust of the people has been broken once again, not just by the elected official, but by the state’s collusion in not adhering to the Constitution as it pertains to elected officials in public office.

The Constitution of Belize states, in section X: subsection 121

Code of Conduct: 121.-(1) the persons to whom this section applies shall conduct themselves in such a way as not-

(a) to place themselves in positions in which they have or could have a conflict of interest;

(b) to compromise the fair exercise of their public or official functions and duties;

(c) to use their office for private gain;

(d) to demean their office or position;

(e) to allow their integrity to be called into question; or

(f) to endanger or diminish respect for, or confidence in, the integrity of the Government

These acts are treacherous and should not be condoned by a lack of mobility and inaction by the Police Department and the Director of Public Prosecution. The trust of the people has once again been ignored and the blatant disregard for honour and good governance have once again taken a back seat to partisan politics.

The Belize People’s Front calls on the Prime Minister to follow up on his promise, to deal personally with unscrupulous acts, as these ultimately will create a ripple effect in the wider community.

Nefretery Nancy Marin,

BPF Party Leader

Tel: 628-4498

E-mail: belizepeoplesfront@gmail.com