Health Minister Addresses John Saldivar’s Problems

Pablo Marin

So is John Saldivar in or out? Well, we don’t know that quite yet. Until next week we’ll find out what happens to the long time Belmopan Minister. But how did all this news sit with his fellow cabinet minister Pablo Marin? Marin said he did have questions when the allegations surfaced, but he feels that perhaps there was just an added bit of pressure on Saldivar. Here’s what he had to say about the embattled minister’s misfortunes.

Pablo Marin, Minister of Health

“Well, yes, it’s a rough week. It is something that we can still go through it, as I mentioned before. Whatever we are doing or whatever is happening it is because our Prime Minister having a way of dealing with things.”

Andrea Polanco

“What’s one week leave? People have never heard of a Minister being put on a one week leave. As a cabinet minister can you explain what it means for a minister to be put on a one week leave? What does it entail?”

Pablo Marin

“I think that is maybe the Prime Minister is trying to seek legal advice that is what he is trying to do. I don’t think he wants to do something drastic without any advice and let’s give the Prime Minister that week to see what he will do.”

Andrea Polanco

“So, does it mean a week without pay or access to his vehicle, with his driver?”

Pablo Marin

“That I don’t know. I don’t know that one.”

Andrea Polanco

“But didn’t you ask as Cabinet ministers? Wouldn’t you want to know what has happened to your fellow…?”

Pablo Marin

“Because after that the Prime Minister did a decision, so we don’t know. So until next Cabinet, next Tuesday we will know exactly what happened.”

Andrea Polanco

“Are you hopeful that John Saldivar will be cleared?”

Pablo Marin

“I hope so. I hope so.”

Reporter

“Sir, as John Saldivar’s fellow colleague and minister; have you questioned his relationship with William Danny Mason? I am sure you may have concerns over it especially since the document was that he was in a business relationship with Mason. Have you questioned that yourself?”

Pablo Marin

“Well, yes, you question it. But again I would say, we as ministers and I would talk about myself, I need to do a hospital in San Pedro. I need to do a hospital in PG because the one in PG is very old and if we don’t have the finances we try to look outside to try and get those finances for us to do that. People can come and say look I will do the hospital at interest of maybe five percent and you don’t know the background of that person.”

Reporter

“It would be the onus of the minister to do that research?”

Pablo Marin

“Yes. I understand but sometimes when people are demanding so much of you, you try to do something to show them that you are there for them, to do your best. It is like when this initiative came in, they came to me and say we have this initiative for tourist and health for you to step it up; you immediately sign. Sometimes you don’t think you have to change legislation and it will affect certain people, but then you do it.”