We also got an opportunity to talk to Belize Rural North Representative Edmond Castro about the same issue. As viewers are aware, his name is called in the reports, and as viewers would remember, his integrity was called into question when immigration agent turned whistleblower, Alvorine Burgess, accused him of selling Belize Visa recommendations to Asian nationals.
So, today, we tried to discuss the points in the audits where his name is called, but playing it very safe, he stayed far away from that one, no matter how hard we pushed. Here's how that went:
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"If you are an area representative, you are there to represent your people in that area. Hence the reason why they called you an area representative and you are there to help your people. Simple thing as tuition assistance. You are there to assist them. If they have death in the family, they expect you to assist them. So every little thing your people that elect you to serve them come to you for assistance."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"I am speaking specifically like things like maybe a fisherman needs a fishing license and they get turnaround."
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"My friend, there is nothing illegal in trying to do the best possible as an area representative to represent you people. Our people have all sorts of needs and we are there to represent them to the best of our ability."
Reporter
"What bout when area representatives seek to circumvent existing procedures in order to expedite matters on behalf of their constituents?"
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"No man. I think I know where you all want to go. I am saying that our people elect us to be area representative and we must do the best possible job in the legal framework to try and help them as our constituents."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"But sir specifically, in these instances, isn't that a culture that came before you, but it's not something that is allowed in the procedures, but you all assist....?"
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"I don't know where you are coming from, but I am telling you as an area representative, people come to you for all sorts of things. People come to you and they want assistance whether its land, they want food, they want assistance with burial, they want assistance with party, they want assistance with wedding, they want assistance in just about everything."
"The reason they elect you to be their area representative is because they believe that you are the best possible person out of the 1, 2, 3 candidates to serve them."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"But would you agree...?"
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"You are trying to go a different angle. Come on man."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"All I am simply asking sir, doesn't that by..."
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"You are going in an angle that is not necessary. As an area representative, people come to you to represent for everything. You are trying to go a specific way."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Doesn't that allow for the abuse of people's trust?"
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"It doesn't have anything to do with that."
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