And moving over to the other simmering scandal, we also asked the Prime Minister about Acting Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo. As you saw on 7News two nights ago - in an extraordinary interview - he accused a business owner in the forestry sector of offering him a bribe; and the businessman fired back, accusing Pinelo of extorting him for a bribe.
The PM says he was "floored" by the revelations:
Jules Vasquez
"The allegations and counter allegations between the acting Chief Forest Officer and the businessman Cesar Gudinez."
"What do you make of what you've seen or heard?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I just saw somebody sent me your interview that you did. I was, like, floored. What again, what I've done is I've asked the Cabinet Secretary to speak with the CEO of Sustainable development to be able to….I'm told that, ham, she has spoken to the acting Chief Forest Officer, he has gone on holiday and the investigation will be done. Obviously, at the end of the day, the Public Service Commission will have to deal with that matter."
Jules Vasquez
"From what you have heard or seen, who do you believe?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I really can't comment on that. I really again, it's best for me to do it for me to be able to get a true report a true representation of what has taken place."
Jules Vasquez
"Do you believe, but, but, you know, Mister Pinelo had spoken plainly and said that he has been fraudulent, fraudulently listed as a shareholder in this company."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Okay."
Jules Vasquez
"I mean, that that would be a very serious offense."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"It is a serious offense. So again, that's what I'm saying. I think I don't know. So I don't want to comment on what I don't know."
Jules Vasquez
"But at the same time, we have seen money transfers from Mr. Godinez to Mr. Pinelo. Well, I did not take a hard look at it."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"So, you know, obviously that the Public Service Commission would have to be able to address that and if there are these, transfers, then Mr Pinelo would have to answer to the Public Service Commission."
