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Faber Comments On Demise of Former Adversary Vega
posted (October 21, 2016)
So, while that's Pablo Marin's position on Vega's fall from grace, what's the perspective of the Deputy Prime Minister on the land scandal?

While we had the opportunity, we challenged him on the Prime Minister's handling of the case, and here's what he had to say:

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"The teachers made a moral stance. if I'm to understand them and to be fair, to stand up for good governance and it could be perceived that 'oh the big bad government is punishing them for daring to strike at the gods', when you have a situation with Gaspar Vega whose tumultuous exit is questionable at least."

Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"Well in your question you assume that there is some kind of letting off the hook for Honorable Vega and I can't agree with that premise. you've heard the prime minister and in fact the minister of lands, Honorable Vanessa Retreage, say that in fact there is an audit of the activities that happened in the ministry of natural resources and that in fact they will continue to pursue that and also the recovery of the monies having to do with the case relating to Mr. Vega and his son."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"There is this belief that more should have happened. A criminal investigation should have been triggered to handle the full weight of what is suspected to happen."

Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"Daniel that's the point that I'm making. Nobody's saying that that is not going to happen. Nobody said this case is exempted from any.... The contrary is being said, that the attorney general is now saying this investigation will continue and I'll tell you I have a lot of confidence in the AG. We maintain that what makes the united Democratic Party different from any other political party is what we do when that corruption is proven and the facts are given. it's not that corruption is not happening, it's what is done and if you check the record of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, you will see that every time he is confronted with these situations and he's given he kind of evidence and facts, that he is able to do something. He tries to be fair to all parties concerned but he acts."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Does it not give you cause for concern where a scandal is breaking and the maximum leader of your party appears that he is sluggish to handle the matter. Why would it not be in the UDP's interest to get out in front of the scandal? The proof was put out in the public almost in a naming and shaming fashion."

Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"Ordinarily, I would appreciate that criticism, but given that the situation is that there is a climate of clamoring if you will for the government to fall. You have to be careful of anything that is put forward. The Prime Minister was slow in terms of his deliberation, he wanted to make sure that these claims were made."

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