And going back to our interview with the PM, we asked him about the status with 14 Customs officers at the northern and western border that the Ministry of Finance is pushing to get through.
Some of those officers have lawyered up - while others have said they are fine with being transferred.
But, it looks like government is in for a legal tangle - since their attorney is asking for a court injunction blocking the transfers. On May 29th the PM told us the transfers are going to go through. Today he didn't seem so sure:
Jules Vasquez
"We know that a number of the the the customs officers at the borders, we heard they've sent government a lawyer letter saying that, you know, you haven't given us enough notice. We thought the transfers were off. We had a legitimate explain. What's your response to the fact that now they're going legal."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, I've not seen the letter, so I've not seen the letter. So I can't really comment on a letter I've not seen. But it is their right if they feel that they've have been aggrieved, it is their right. But at the same time, we do believe that the finance department working directly with the Comptroller of Customs, where and, for us to be able to have a better management of, of that department that she should be allowed to make strategic changes. And that's what she was being told, she was doing. And she had informed these people way back, yes, I know that the Public Services Ministry jumped the gun and took out a circular trying to say well we need to save money, not making changes for the entire government, not only for, for customs. But from our perspective, from from the perspective of the of the Comptroller and the Deputy Controller, they felt very strongly and appealed to me that listen we really need to make changes to try to improve the work of the of the department."
"And so I spoke with the minister responsible, and he agreed. And then afterwards, the minister, the financial secretary then spoke with the CEO, with CEO Zetina from the public service ministry to say that it is urgent for us to continue that process. And then that's that's what happened."
Jules Vasquez
"But you are the Prime Minister and the minister of finance is the Minister of Public Service. Did he not undermine you under court? You kneecap the Minister of Finance in its will, in its prerogative to choose the transfer customs officers?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Maybe you should ask him that question but I don't think so."
Jules Vasquez
"But. So now, you know, you all really want these transfers to go through, but they are imperiled and you might end up in court."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Then so be it."
