No Wrongdoing Found, but Pinelo Review Continues

Questions surrounding former Acting Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo are back in focus, despite an earlier internal investigation finding no evidence of wrongdoing. A report on allegations involving Pinelo’s dealings with a private businessman is now moving through the official review process, while Pinelo remains Deputy Chief Forest Officer. Sustainable Development Minister Orlando Habet says the ministry’s Chief Executive Officer is reviewing the findings and will forward the report to the Ministry of the Public Service. That ministry will ultimately decide whether the matter ends there or whether Pinelo could face further action.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“He’s still with the department. He’s still on his role as deputy chief forest officer, and that is where he is now. A report was given by him. The CEO is reviewing that, and they are sending that to the Minister of Public Service, and then they decide if it stays there, it goes further to, to the commissioner.”

 

The government has already confirmed that it will readvertise the vacant post of Chief Forest Officer.

 

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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