1 week ago
9
Almost two months after taking over the Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister Julius Espat continues overseeing efforts to improve police stations, strengthen officers’ morale and secure additional funding for basic law-enforcement equipment. Espat was appointed to serve in the portfolio after Minister of State Oscar Mira proceeded on a leave of absence. Since assuming the additional responsibility, Espat has focused on the condition of police facilities across the country. Several stations require repairs, renovations or broader infrastructure improvements to provide officers and the public with safer and more suitable surroundings. Former Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa says managing the portfolio is no easy task. Musa explained that he met with Espat within the first few days of the transition to discuss the ministry’s responsibilities and some of the challenges he would inherit.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration, Governance and Labour: “I think the interim basis means that the Honourable Julius Espat will hold over for a period of three months. I think we are a month and a half or two months into that three-month period. And I think the Prime Minister will assess after the Auditor General’s report what direction we’re going to take at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Yes, on the first day that Honourable Julius took up the role I did have a conversation with him and I let him know that any type of support he needs I was in that position for five years, it’s not an easy role to take on. And so in any way that I can assist him or advise him I have made myself available.”
Prime Minister John Briceño initially indicated that Espat’s assignment would be for an interim period of three months. Whether that timeline will remain unchanged is yet to be seen as an audit continues within the Ministry of National Defence. The audit followed allegations of abuse of power and financial mismanagement connected to the ministry.
English (US) ·