Saldivar Defends Private Use of Coast Guard Vessel, But Admits Personal Error

John Saldivar

John Saldivar, during his time with the media this afternoon, also spoke about the use of the coast guard vessel, under his tenure as Minister of National Security, to ferry Lev Dermin to so-called coast guard installations.  Here’s how he responded when challenged by reporters on that issue.

John Saldivar, Former Minister of Government

“It appears that there are people besides the U.S. government, because I really don‘t give much weight to them trying to complain that, bwai we give you dis boat so you could only use it how we tell you…  That is rubbish.  We are a sovereign government and as the minister, I authorized for that to happen and I took full responsibility for that.”

Reporter

“Do you see it as an error of judgment?”

John Saldivar

“I am prepared to concede that it was an error of judgment in terms of, only because we now know what was perhaps the reasoning behind it.  But for me, there was nothing in it and I do apologize and I do take this opportunity to say that it was possibly an error of judgment.  But I don’t know that it rises to the level of criminality and certainly does not rise to the level of corruption.”