BELIZE: SOLICITOR GENERAL ACCUSED OF VIOLATING CODE

UNCLAS BELIZE 000289 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CEN - JASON MACK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR BH SUBJECT: BELIZE: SOLICITOR GENERAL ACCUSED OF VIOLATING CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS REF: A) 05 BELIZE 902; B) 04 BELIZE 781 ¶1. (SBU) In December 2005, the watchdog group the Association of Concerned Belizeans (ACB) called for an investigation of the privatization of the Belize Companies Registry (BELIPO) alleging possible unethical actions by Solicitor General Elston Kaseke, Minister of Foreign Affairs Godfrey Smith and former minister and senator Eamon Courtenay (REF A). On March 20, the Integrity Commission alleged that Solicitor General Elston Kaseke had violated the Code of Conduct for public officials of Belize. The Commission, an advisory body to Cabinet, argued that Kaseke's role in the privatization of BELIPO was in violation of Section 21 of The Prevention of Corruption in Public Life Act. (Note. Section 21 restricts public employees from entering into contracts with the government through private companies during their tenures as public officials. End Note). According to local media reports, Kaseke now is "to be investigated." Separately, in July 2004, Kaseke was arrested for obstruction of justice and interference with the operation of an aircraft on a flight into Ronald Reagan National Airport; a Virginia Judge subsequently found he had been guilty of two counts of disorderly conduct (REF B). ¶2. (SBU) The Association of Concerned Belizeans (ACB),in discussions with PolOff, noted that they doubt the Commission's findings will result in a public prosecution of Kaseke. The Commission dismissed charges against Smith and Courtenay as "hearsay and double hearsay," but the ACB speculated that a conflict of interest influenced the decision, as the Commission's Chair, Chris Coye, works for Belize Holdings Limited, of which Courtenay is Deputy Director. DIETER