And it seems that - at least in the case of the Forestry Officer - the argument is being made that it's not what he did; it's how he did it. The PM says he was rude and basically refused to entertain him - and that's because the Prime Minister called back, after the Forester shut him down the first time. And then he shut him down again, it is alleged.
PM Briceno and Minister Mai believe that this kind of behavior is symptomatic of a wider culture of rudeness that permeates the public service. Mai discussed his observations today:
Hon. Jose Mai - Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise
"I've seen people treated bad by some public servants, mind you, there are very good public servants you know but there are some who need training. I will not accuse them of being ignorant or arrogant, I think it has to do with training, soon they will be there. Some of the Mexicans when we went to Cancun for the investment summit, they complained, they said listen when we come your borders, we are treated roughly by your immigration officers, is it that you don't want our business?"
