Two Ministers on Leave, One Government Under Pressure
With two senior cabinet ministers now on administrative leave, the Ministry of Defense scandal is no longer just about what auditors may find; it is also about the political damage being done. Today, Minister of Economic Transformation Dr. Osmond Martinez was asked about the optics for the Briceño administration, as questions continue to swirl around the Defense Ministry and the decisions that led to both ministers stepping aside. But Martinez says the picture is not entirely negative. In his view, the administration is still doing the work it was elected to do, even as it faces one of its most uncomfortable political controversies.
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of Economic Transformation
“You know the optics will always be the optics in politics. I don’t think the optics is bad from what we have seen on the ground and the people I represent. People want to see the work done and under the leadership of Prime Minister Briceno the works we have done is unprecedented. And the communities, especially those neglected for many years, they are finally getting to see the basic needs, simple as water, the water system being connected to them, electricity. But we always have to manage the optics and of course it will have an impact, but in my view we just have to stay focused and continue to work.”
Reporter
“How do you look at the accusation of the NTUCB that in the case of the Mira Scandal, they were not evenly applied, the goods or the pie was not shared around?”
Dr. Osmond Martinez
“I would prefer not to comment on the specific opinion they have given. I think the prime minister has spoken on it and he is the best to address that issue and he has been taking action. So, it would be only fair to leave all these things to the prime minister who has been addressing it in a responsible way. 4:23Martinez says Prime Minister John Briceño is working hard to restore voter confidence amid the ongoing scandal.”
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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