“Young People Will Have Their Time”, Florencio Marin Sr.

G.O.B.’s decision to contract Florencio Marin Senior as an advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture on a salary of thirty six thousand dollars a year has not come without its backlash. The President of the Public Service Union of Belize, Dean Flowers, in an interview, referred to Marin’s hiring as quote, “disrespecting young people”. So, today we asked the Former Minister for a response to such disapproval.

Paul Lopez

“Obviously you don’t have the same youthful energy that you once did back in the 1960 when you first joined politics. After so much years of service, shouldn’t you spending time enjoying retirement and spending time with loved ones and family after all these years and perhaps give a younger blood an opportunity to be doing what you are doing right now?”

Florencio Marin Sr

Florencio Marin Sr., Advisor, Belize Sugar Cane Board

“I question that term younger blood. Let me tell you, I am enjoying what I am doing right now. I did that for a long time and I think I had a good rest for the fifteen years you say that I was not active. So, I am back again full of energy. I will give my very best in the service of my country and I support Prime Minister Briceno who is doing an excellent job.”

Reporter

“Do you think that your appointment would be contradictory given the event we have today trying to get young people more involved in this industry?”

Florencio Marin Sr., Advisor, Belize Sugar Cane Board

“Nobody is stopping young people from getting on board. As a matter of fact, you see us training young people in this conference here. Young people will have their time. But, let me put it this way, do you think I can pick up any of these young boys and ask them to summon a meeting of the hierarchy of BSI/ASR and the cane farmers associations and put them together and give them a lead? You think they can do it? They are not ready as yet. That is why we are training them.”