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Free Zone Sick Out, Staffers Want CEO Out
Thu, April 27, 2017
The administrative staff at the Corozal Free Zone staged a sick out today and simply did not show up to work. Reports say they are protesting against their boss, the recently appointed CEO Valentino Blanco. Apparently, they want him gone - and they're not alone. The Corozal Free Zone Chamber of Commerce is also pushing for Blanco's ouster. As we understand it, the issue is the perception of malfeasance, and ineptitude. Blanco has only been in the job for two and half months, but it seems he hasn't made many friends.

In fact the only major ally he has, tried to come to his rescue today. That's UDP Corozal Southwest Representative, Dr. Angel Campos, pulled into the zone this morning - and remained there for much of the day. It's notable because the Free Zone is not in his constituency and he is the Minister of State for Heath, with zero responsibility for free Zones. We're told however that Campos and Blanco are related by marriage.

But, while Campos was there to keep the office warm, the staff was not - and because they had been on go slow from earlier in the week, we understand a number of customs entries are backlogged. Things could come to a showdown tomorrow when the Free Zone Board of Directors meets. This Board has representation from the Zone's private sector, who aren't happy with Campos. We'll keep following it.

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