Questions on ‘serious’ politico’s track record linger

Santo Domingo.- “I want to say it clearly: no businessman is more serious than I," said National Housing Bank (BNV) CEO Federico (Quiqui) Antún in response to the Industries Association’s (AIRD) demand that the recently created Dominican Export Bank (BANDEX) must operate"with technical criteria, aside from political influences", and that "headed by independent people and linked to the export sector."

Antun said he acknowledges the business sector’s right to "express itself and question," but doesn’t accept any questioning on a "personal agenda because none are more serious than I."

The head of the BNV is also president of the pro-government minority party, PRSC.

"The politician is made to serve the common good, and entrepreneurs to profit from their wealth," the politico said.

‘Loans were a disaster’

Antun’s declaration however doesn’t match his track record as the BNV’s CEO during the last several years.

Economist Alejandro Fernandez noted that since the BANDEX will have access to 10% of the pension fund, more oversight will be necessary. “More than the person my question is of the institution.”

“Its loans were a disaster, their level of arrears is unacceptable.”

Speaking on El Dia with Huchi Lora and Javier Cabreja, Fernandez cited the case of Argentinean nationals who scammed the BNV out of US$5.0 million during Antun’s tenure, and have “vanished to this day.”