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Interim Minister of Home Affairs Julius Espat says the audit into procurement activities at the Ministry of Defence is now underway. Espat made the comments this afternoon as he exited today’s Cabinet meeting, his first since officially assuming responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs following Minister Oscar Mira’s decision to take a leave of absence pending the outcome of the audit. Asked about the status of the investigation, Espat confirmed that the audit process has already commenced and indicated that authorities are allowing the independent review to take its course. The newly appointed Home Affairs Minister also revealed that he is scheduled to meet tomorrow with Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado and Chief Executive Officer Elton Bennett as he begins familiarizing himself with the ministry and its operations.
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “The Prime Minister just made it clear that he has the audit department going in and he asked us to just wait until that information is presented and the audit is completed before anything else is done. So I suppose we have to respect that but it’s in process already.”
Reporter: What was your initial reaction to getting the Home Affairs portfolio?
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “It’s one of the most difficult ministries to be able to administer. So it’s, most people don’t think it’s a favor. I see it as a responsibility and so it starts today. I have been given my formal request to do what is necessary and so I will start looking at everything. I’ve already had brief communication with the commissioner and the CEO. We will meet formally tomorrow and Thursday and then from there we start the work.”
Reporter: Is it a portfolio you can juggle ? You already have a huge portfolio with infrastructure development and housing. Is it too much for you?
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “We’ll find out. Infrastructure is already in place. We have capable people there. The day-to-day administration is done by the CEO and the chief engineer and we have 300 people employed. So the Ministry of Infrastructure the policy has already been set, budget has already been established for the year. So I’m not uncomfortable with that. This new one is a lot more work and I don’t know what it entails yet until I sit with everybody. I’ve also ask the Attorney General to give me a break down as to the responsibilities of everybody that plays a role in the Ministry of Home Affairs, meaning what’s the role of the CEO, what’s the role of the Commissioner, what’s the role of the Minister and from there down. I believe in being informed before I make any decision so you don’t overstep.”
Minister Espat acknowledged that overseeing both the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing and the Ministry of Home Affairs presents a significant responsibility. However, he expressed confidence that the systems already established within MIDH will allow him to effectively manage both portfolios. According to Espat, much of the success of any ministry depends on having competent personnel, clear procedures, and accountability mechanisms in place. He said those same principles will guide his approach at Home Affairs, where he expects officers and administrators to operate with professionalism, transparency, and respect for established processes.
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “I believe in playing fair. I don’t know if you want to make that equal to being strict. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I think you have to have a heart. And if you have a heart and you treat people fairly then you can demand discipline. I think that’s what we need to do. If you have the rules, you have to follow the rules. And who doesn’t follow the rules there are consequences. It’s as simple as that but in a fair way of doing things. I’ve used that in my approach to life and I don’t intend to change that. But there’s no…. everybody that knows me knows that I can work with anybody once you get the work done.”
Reporter: And then the last thing, it’s only three months in this first instance. Have you spoken with Minister Mira for any ideas on how to navigate these first three months?
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “I spoke to him yesterday after it came on the news. I just didn’t want any bad feelings back and forth and I thought as a colleague it was important that he heard from me and we had a nice conversation. And then just now in cabinet I spoke to Minister Musa who was there before and I asked for advice. I spoke to the Attorney General to ask for advice. I’m speaking to as many of my colleagues and people know have a knowledge of what happens there and then after all of that I will formulate in my mind along with advisors as to what I need to do to report back to the Prime Minister. Remember he’s the one, the head honcho they call him, and so he needs to know what the reality is from my point of view and from there we move on but it’s on the basis of respect.”
English (US) ·