OFF THE CUFF: When 25% of $6 million is small potatoes
MARBELLA BOUTIQUE owner Poulett Morales, is the latest business person to be forced out of the shadows to face the reality of standing in the spotlight of investigations into scams and irregularities linked to the PAN scandals.
She claims that selling clothes it is more profitable than the over $6 million dollars of school bags she sold to the state over two years.
“The difference between the price per bag in Panama and the price at which I quoted the State without transport costs was less than $2 per bag. We’re talking about less than 25% margin per unit. A lower than normal profit in the garment industry at regular price margin “, she told La Prensa
Morales was referring to a venture that could have reached $1.5 million dollars as that sale was over $6 million says La Prensa.
Asked why she participated in the sale and distribution of backpacks if -according to her it was not profitable She said it was beyond profit and intended to provide “products with the best quality” to students.
Despite such “small” profit, Morales said she travels the world to provide more products to the state. “As the businesswoman and entrepreneur that I am, I make short work trips in search of products that may be relevant to Panama,” said the fashion entrepreneur.
She declined to elaborate on what other products she offered to the state but she hinted that in over 20 years in business she only won contracts with the government of Ricardo Martinelli.
At the Comptroller files show Morales firms paid by the (PAN ) firms for delivery of stoves, sewing machines and grinding, blenders, and for work inspections and checks and rental of rolling equipment
She admitted that she owns the company APM Supplies and Galbedusa Trading Panama, which sold backpacks and appliances to the Ministry of Education (Meduca) and PAN. All dispatched from her boutique in Marbella.
The name of Janeth Araúz (president) appears in APM Supplies, and in Galbedusa Trading Panama Araúz and Vanessa Franklin Gutierrez, all employees of Morales store of clothing and accessories.
Morales admitted she has friends in common with former President Ricardo Martinelli, whom she preferred to leave anonymous.
She also said that, to date, she is still paying a mortgage on an apartment she bought from Martinelli, through society Inmobiliere Richelieu.
However, says La Prensa, Morales, in a March 2013 statement in she denied having any business relationship or friendship with Martinelli, and said she knew him only because he was the President.
‘DREAM’ COME TRUE
“The ‘Lett’ project is one of my biggest dreams.” Said Morales referring to the construction of a shopping center built in the exclusive area of Marbella, which has the last letters of her name, and valued at about $8 million.
She said she has managed to obtain financing with local banks to acquire the land and build the mall, but gave no details.
After complaints about alleged overruns in selling backpacks and other equipment to the state Morales has already named by the Second Anti-corruption prosecutor.
She said she appeared with her lawyer before the investigating Prosecutor “collaborate”. If she collaborates like the two fromer PAN directors who have blown the whistles on Martinelli and De Obarrrio, there will be another cat out of the bag.
