The power of investigative journalism lies in its ability to begin with a seemingly routine report—like one on lax airport security—and end up exposing a $28 million crony contract.
This isn’t a hypothetical. 7News’s deep-dive investigation into the Belize Airport Authority’s (BAA) security led to questionable agreements being cancelled.
There’s something peculiarly satisfying about watching persistence pay off, where sticking with the story compelled the administration to eventually come clean and do right by Belizean taxpayers by suspending payments.
But what happens to the funds already paid out is another story.
This series of stories in question, executed by 7News, is an excellent example of how investigative journalism can help uncover corruption. This is why the Belize Network of NGOs and the Global Financial Integrity teamed up earlier this year to host a two-day training for Belizean journalists, designed to strengthen investigative journalism skills and improve capacity to expose illegal financial flows and corrupt practices.
Over the two days, participants focused on understanding illicit financial flows (IFFs) and beneficial ownership (BO), and on crafting investigative narratives around those topics.
Following the money trail—using public records, freedom of information requests, and consistent reporting that holds authorities and wrongdoers accountable is all part of the investigative journalism toolbox.
7News’s Jules Vasquez uncovered a web of corruption surrounding the two now-cancelled contracts from the BAA to alleged politically connected persons. Vasquez reported links between the beneficial owners and the ruling political party, identified professional enablers involved in composing the contracts, and uncovered ties reaching back to the BAA’s Board of Directors.
The importance of the work of journalists as guardians of the Fourth Estate (the press and news media) cannot be overstated. This type of persistent investigative work is at the heart and purpose of journalistic work. For journalists, exposing corruption in public should be more than a profession—it is a responsibility. Journalists are the custodians of societal narratives, and that duty demands courage, consistency, and integrity.
As this investigation shows, when journalists are equipped and steadfast on a story, they can peel back layers of secrecy and expose the truth. More importantly, they can trigger real change. The recent initiative underscores the need for continued investment in investigative journalism in Belize. In August, a second round of training is scheduled for journalists, and will cover topics such as environmental crime while diving deeper into investigative journalism strategies.
