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‘Griga Mayor’s Pvt. Business Venture Went Belly Up
posted (October 24, 2014)
And so while he's through with politics for the time being - he remains a public official and one that had to endure some public scrutiny recently when a call center that he co owned went belly up - and left owing debts to workers and suppliers. We asked the mayor about the demise of "Wafagua Easy Call"

Jules Vasquez
"I am told it failed and that people were left unpaid and they had to go to you."

Gilbert Swazo, Mayor - Dangriga
"Okay, I certainly as a partner in the call center business. What we are doing it to get ourselves reorganized and we will commence operations very shortly. Whatever shortcomings will be rectified certainly and we will bring jobs to this municipality."

Jules Vasquez
"However, did the original Nigerian investors abscond and leave you holding the bag?"

Gilbert Swazo, Mayor - Dangriga
"They are still available here in Dangriga and certainly we continue to dialogue. We still remain a team and as I said we are getting ourselves reorganized."

Jules Vasquez
"Were you all left owing people at the time? I was told it was quite hastily wound-up."

Gilbert Swazo, Mayor - Dangriga
"There are still some outstanding issues that needs to be taken care of. But as I said we are reorganizing everyone who is owed, if they are still owed will be sorted out."

Jules Vasquez
"Now as a public official, this is the sort of taint on your reputation which you cannot afford to have."

Gilbert Swazo, Mayor - Dangriga
"Jules, life is a balance and I am doing things in good faith. I am not running away from Dangriga, I am not running away from anybody in any way or form. Hence the reason why I say I am taking responsibility to ensure that anyone who feels that they certainly are not treated fairly in anyway or form as a result of that operation to which I was a partner to - I have committed to say that we will make it right for them."

The mayor says when the call center re-opens, he hopes to hire 100 persons.

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