And in other news, we've told you that the CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development has his eye on the Toledo East seat for the PUP. But the current area rep - who has been the standard bearer from the late 80's - Mike Espat, isn't letting go of his constituency so easily.
Espat appears ready to put his name back on a ballot one. More time after running in the area for the past three and a half decades. And Dr Martinez looks ready to contest it.
This morning on Sunup, the hosts asked the PM about the potential battle between one of his ministers of state and his CEO.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"First of all, Osmond Martinez has not declared his candidacy, he's expressed interest, big difference. And the minute he declares his candidacy, he would have to step down as CEO, that's first. Secondly, I have great respect for Mike Espat. Honorable Mike Espat has been, before me, I have served more years than him because I have not lost elections but he was first elected in 1989 and he has served with distinction. He served when Toledo was really the forgotten district, bad roads, no electricity, no water, no nothing and he constantly was fighting and fighting and fighting and advocating to bring betterment to the entire district and I have to give him credit for that. I think though that I recognize that and I met with him yesterday to talk about that very same thing and to say, Mike, we know the work you have done and we're very grateful but now we need to find out what you plan to do. unfortunately, now he's of age, he had a bad accident when we were in government and he was in a coma for about a month in Miami, he almost lost his life. So for him to be able to come back is incredible, that's why they call him iron Mike. But he has not been doing well of late and so we're trying to find out from him what is his plan. But we have to treat him with great respect and dignity and we plan to do that as to what will be his plan in the near future."
Email
Print