A Temporary Exit or a Growing Crisis? Florencio Marin Jr. Steps Aside

As the fallout from the Mira family contracts controversy grows, attention is now shifting beyond Oscar Mira and onto others who oversaw the ministry during the period in question. Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed that Florencio Marin Jr., the senior minister responsible for the ministry during much of the period now under scrutiny, has requested administrative leave as auditors examine the Ministry of Defense. While the Prime Minister says he expects Marin back on the job within ninety days, the move signals that the review is reaching deeper into the ministry’s operations. We spoke with Marin today, and he says he intends to fully cooperate with the Auditor General’s investigation.

 

On The Phone: Florencio Marin Jr., Area Representative, Corozal South East

“I can deal with what I can deal. I can deal with the ministers. Minister Marin just called me earlier before the meeting and to say, “You know what? I think it’s best for me to also to ask for a leave of absence so that the auditor general can do its, they can continue to do their auditing of the ministry.” He said, “It happened whilst I was the minister.” He believes that he didn’t do anything illegal but he thinks that it would be best for the government for him to step back for the next – hopefully the next ninety days. Then we could get a report and then take it from there. Shane, I have advised the PM that because of the Auditor General’s audit, I think it’s best for me to take leave so she can conduct her audit without fear or favour. He has accepted and allowed me to do so.  I will make myself fully available for questioning from her.”

 

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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