José Mai Returns to Represent Orange Walk South

After months away from the National Assembly, Orange Walk South Area Representative José Mai returned to his seat today. Mai underwent shoulder surgery and a knee replacement during his medical leave. He says he has not fully recovered, but he is well enough to represent his constituents and once again contribute to the work of the House.

 

Jose Mai, Area Representative, Orange Walk South

“It has been a while since I been back to the House Meeting. But, it feels a little strange. Nevertheless it feels good to be back in parliament, contributing to the discussion if needs be. Recovery is coming slowly but it is coming. Frustrating at times, but nevertheless it is improving slowly, especially the last two weeks I have seen some improvements. A month ago I was frustrated because the improvement had plateau and I could not flex the knee well. I was continuously having the knee inflamed and very painful I was in Merida for that last week and I will travel again to see if the situation has improved.”

 

Mai Kept Government Ride While on Leave

 

While José Mai recovered away from Cabinet, questions remained about whether taxpayers continued covering his ministerial salary and vehicle. Mai confirms the government vehicle stayed with him, although he says he barely used it. He also admits his salary decreased, but stopped short of revealing the amount.

 

Jose Mai, Area Representative, Orange Walk South

“I only have one driver and a government assigned vehicle and if you go to the records you will see that vehicle is the least that uses fuel. I don’t subscribe to abuse of government vehicle . If you see me in Orange Walk or anywhere else you will see me in my private vehicle. I don’t subscribe to the abuse of government vehicle and if I don’t have to use it to come to Belmopan I don’t. I don’t think anybody has seen me more than three times in a government vehicle in Orange Walk Town and so I am conscious about that, I don’t abuse it. I call my driver and I tell him if we are going to Belize or Belmopan like today, but very little do I use that vehicle.”

 

Reporter

“But by right should it not be returned?”

 

Jose Mai

“I am not sure about that. I am not sure about the protocol.”

 

Reporter

“And you do not care to find out?”

 

Jose Mai

“No I have not, because I don’t use the vehicle much. But I think that is a decision for the prime minister.”

 

Reporter

“During your leave, your salary has it remained at the ninety thousand or gone down to the thirty-eight?”

 

Jose Mai

“It is the salary of an area representative.”

 

Reporter

“Which is?”

 

Jose Mai

“I don’t know. I don’t remember.”

 

Reporter

“You don’t check your bank account?”

 

Jose Mai

“I do and you know what it is. I don’t have to answer that.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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