Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes says he has nothing to do with J&J Imports, even though the owners are his relatives. But with the company now under scrutiny over payments from the Ministry of Defense, more questions are being asked. Did J&J Imports supply anything to his Orange Walk North constituency? And what does Cervantes make of his colleagues being placed on administrative leave amid the widening Smart Stream controversy? We put those questions to him today. Here’s what he had to say.
Reporter
“Florencio Marin Junior is your close colleague and northern ally, what do you think about his decision to go on leave from Cabinet.”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“That was his personal decision. I have not spoken to him. So, it is his decision to make.”
Shane Williams
“Do they supply your constituency with pantry or grocery bags?”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes, Area Representative, Orange Walk North
“No they don’t.”
Paul Lopez
“Did you speak with Minister Marin to give them a boost with the supply contract?”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“No I did not speak to him.”
Reporter
“J&J Imports were registered on May third 2022 by your relatives the Requena. Was the company established to benefit the BDF supply contracts.”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“I don’t know.”
Reporter
“We are told that you were being considered to be assigned the defense portfolio, but the PM Decided against it because of your connection to J&J Imports which is a top supplier to the BDF. Is this true?”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“I don’t know if I am being considered, and I have no connection to J&J.”
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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