Mai Resignation Sparks Questions After Reported US Concerns

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Jose Abelardo Mai, has formally resigned from Cabinet. Love News has confirmed that Mai submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister John Briceño earlier today, marking either an end or a break in his five-year tenure in Cabinet.  While neither the Government nor Minister Mai has yet issued a public statement, the resignation comes on the heels of reports that officials from the United States Embassy expressed concerns relating to matters still not officially disclosed. Those reports surfaced late yesterday and quickly gained national attention, prompting questions about Mai’s political future and what may have led to the diplomatic unease.  As of news time, the Office of the Prime Minister has not indicated whether the resignation has been accepted, nor who will assume responsibility for the Agriculture and Food Security portfolios.  Best information at this hour is that an official statement will be issued after tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting.  We will keep following these changes as they develop.