Dangriga Mayor and Town Administrator in Public Dispute Over Alleged Corruption

The dispute between the Mayor of Dangriga Town Robert Mariano and the town’s Town Administrator Austin Petillo is yet to be resolved. Last week, Petillo took to Facebook to speak out against what he says was corruption and political interference taking place at the council. Petillo had reportedly moved to take disciplinary action against a staff member at the council but was asked by the mayor to delay the action until the PUP could have worked things out. However, Petillo declined and placed a handwritten letter on Mariano’s door stating that until the matter is resolved all council issues should be handled by Mariano. Since then, the rift between the men has grown, with Marino ordering the staff to keep Petillo off the compound. Our newsroom understands that Petillo had gone on sick leave and was to return to work today but didn’t show up. So, will he be replaced before his three-year contract ends, or will the council and Petillo make up? We tried to ask Mayor Mariano today, but he stated the council’s attorney advised him to remain silent on the matter. Our newsroom did manage to speak to the Minister of Local Government, Oscar Requena, about the issue but he didn’t know much.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Local Government and Labour: “I don’t have the details to be honest. I was made aware that there may be some issues but as far as I understand it I think it’s an internal matter and they are dealing with it now.”

Reporter: Would you say that raises any red flags? 

Oscar Requena, Minister of Local Government and Labour: “Well, as I said, I don’t have the details, but what I can say to you is that we have a responsibility for oversight for all town councils and city councils. So I am certain that anything that warrants our intervention, our investigation, you know, we will have our personnel going into the town councils to meet with them, to talk with them and to get the details. And thereafter, you know, once we have done our due diligence, we will then certainly act if there is the need to act, no?”

Reporter: So at this point, your minister hasn’t been briefed? 

Oscar Requena, Minister of Local Government and Labour: “I said I don’t have the details. It could be that our personnel are on the ground dealing with it but I have not been briefed on it.”

We understand that while Marino and Petillo remain at odds, Petillo is in contact with the council’s Human Resource Manager.