Nearly a year after Belize Government Lotteries Limited awarded a million-dollar jackpot to fourteen winners, their identities remain shrouded in secrecy. This decision has ignited a heated debate about transparency and accountability within the national lottery system. Critics question whether withholding the winners’ names undermines public trust in the process. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Ministry of Investment, defended the policy during a recent press briefing. She emphasized the need for confidentiality to protect winners from potential harm, citing crime as a significant concern in Belize. ‘We cannot, we don’t want to disclose winners for obvious reasons. The last time, fourteen winners were asked to collect their checks privately to avoid any negative repercussions,’ Garcia explained. She also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to financial transparency, noting that audited financial statements are presented annually to the National Assembly and Senate. Despite the controversy, the ministry maintains that the lottery process has been conducted with integrity and fairness.