Social advocate Jerry Enriquez has publicly denounced the Belizean government’s response to his Freedom of Information Act request as profoundly inadequate and disrespectful. The controversy emerged when the Office of the Prime Minister provided merely a single-page document in response to Enriquez’s comprehensive inquiry about Constituency Development Funds spanning from 2020 onward.
Enriquez had formally sought detailed records encompassing fund allocations, distribution guidelines, and accounting procedures managed by area representatives. Following multiple deadline extensions, the government’s response arrived on January 22nd containing only basic monthly allocation figures per constituency, lacking the substantive transparency requested.
“The document received represents a disappointingly minimal response that falls drastically short of our legitimate inquiries,” Enriquez stated. He characterized the government’s approach as condescending and demanded more serious treatment of FOIA requests, emphasizing that these concerns involve public funds requiring proper accountability.
Utilizing the limited data provided, Enriquez conducted preliminary analysis revealing apparent distribution inequities among constituencies. His examination identified Stann Creek West—the nation’s largest constituency with approximately 11,000 registered voters—as receiving comparatively less funding than smaller districts. Conversely, Orange Walk Central, which constitutes the Prime Minister’s electoral division, appeared to benefit from the highest per capita monthly allocations.
Enriquez raised critical questions regarding whether constituency funds are being administered as personal discretionary resources rather than public assets subject to proper oversight. Based on the provided figures, he estimates over six million dollars in public funds are distributed annually through this program, underscoring the necessity for transparency. “Every citizen deserves to know how their area representative utilizes these substantial resources,” he asserted, highlighting the fundamental right to accountable governance.