Pinelo Faces Reckoning as Government Reviews His Explanation

Nearly a week after Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo was ordered to explain allegations of wrongdoing that have generated intense public scrutiny, questions remain about what happens next. Pinelo, who has consistently denied any misconduct, was given six days to submit a report to his Chief Executive Officer addressing the claims against him. Today, we turned to Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet to find out whether that report has been received and what actions, if any, could follow. Here’s what he told us.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“I think he was given a week to prepare it. I am sure if he has and he will prepare that letter and submit it to the CEO who will prepare the ministry’s position and present it to the Ministry of Public Service.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So that will be sometime this week, because you said that last week.”

 

Orlando Habet

“He was given instructions last week to provide it this week.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And you had mentioned that the ministry can act upon. Has any report by Mr. Godina been filed?”

 

Orlando Habet

“None that I am aware of.”

 

Britney Gordon

“If something is to come out of that report that would put Mr. Pinelo in a position where he needs to be punished, what action would be taken?”

 

Orlando Habet

“We can’t comment on that yet because it will depend on the report.”

 

News Five will continue to follow these developments to see what if anything comes out of the ministry’s inquiry.

 

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.

 

Watch the full newscast here: