In a sweeping shakeup of the Reconstruction and Development Corporation (RECONDEV) ordered by the Prime Minister of Belize, long-serving board chairman Brian Mira has been ousted, with retired educator Myrna “Tibby” Waight stepping into the top leadership role. The restructuring, which saw a mix of existing directors retained and new politically aligned appointments added to the panel, has sparked immediate public and political scrutiny over the government’s decision-making process.
Myrna Waight brings a familiar background to the role: she previously served as RECONDEV’s deputy chair, holds a seat on Belize’s National Women’s Commission, and is the daughter of Samuel Waight, a former People’s United Party (PUP) area representative for Cayo South. Widely recognized as a PUP supporter, she has been the center of questions swirling over potential political ties to the outgoing chair Mira and claims of improper political patronage in her appointment.
Stepping forward to defend her sister against circulating speculation, National Trade Union Congress President Ella Waight has pushed back firmly against allegations of improper connections between Myrna Waight and the Mira family. In an interview with local outlet XTV, Ella clarified key personal details about Myrna, correcting misinformation that had circulated about her marital ties to the Mira family, stating: “The chair now is my sister. My sister, Myrna Waight. No, she’s not married [to any member of the Mira family]. She is a retired teacher from Belmopan… daughter of Samuel Waight.”
When pressed to address any lingering questions about political alignment between Myrna and Mira, Ella Waight acknowledged that she could not confirm whether Myrna has ever campaigned for Mira, but confirmed her sister’s long-standing active participation in the People’s United Women, the PUP’s official women’s affiliate group. Beyond addressing personal speculation, Ella Waight also defended the government’s choice to retain some sitting board members rather than dismissing the entire panel, arguing that a full overhaul would eliminate critical institutional knowledge that keeps the agency functioning effectively. She added: “As far as I know, the board did not do anything wrong” to warrant a full purge of its membership.
Among the directors who will retain their seats on the restructured board are Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich, who holds an ex officio position, as well as incumbent members Lysandra Berbey, Wilfredo Galvez and Cedric Borland. Three new political appointees will join the board to fill vacant seats: George Castro, Carla Bradley, and Michael Rudon, who currently serves as the Director of the Government Press Office.