2 weeks ago
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Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Henry Charles Usher has taken over responsibility for the Ministry of Enterprise while Oscar Mira remains on leave from Cabinet. Mira previously held both the Home Affairs and Enterprise portfolios. Following his leave of absence, Prime Minister John Briceño divided those responsibilities between two ministers. Julius Espat was assigned Home Affairs, while Usher was asked to oversee Enterprise. Usher confirmed that he is serving as interim Minister of Enterprise. He also reflected on his earlier hesitation to take on the portfolio when the Prime Minister first directed him to do so.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “When he asked me recently to hold over the portfolio of enterprise, I said, “Okay, I can hold it over. We are further along in civil service. I don’t know how long I will hold over the portfolio, but I am there to make sure that all of the regulations, all of the compliance is done in accordance with all laws.”
Reporter: Did you also have an issue with enterprise given all the claims of corruption and narco elements linked to the free zone?
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “You know, it wasn’t that I declined the portfolio, you can’t decline the prime minister when he comes and says, “I want you to handle this responsibility.” It was an ongoing discussion that we had. When it comes to this same civil service modernization exercise that had already been started and I said You know, it will be hard for a new minister to come in now and pick up exactly where it is. At least let us get through this process. I’m happy now that we’ve been able to get the approval from the IDB. We are moving forward with the modernization and it’s a project that I think is important for the overall services that government provides. The overall services in terms of in the ministries, both to civilians or citizens and also to public officers because the Ministry of Public Service our main customers are public officers and we have to be able to respond to their needs more efficiently as well when it comes to taking leave, promotions, transfers, etc. We have to be able to respond to those more effectively. So this process will help both areas.”
The Enterprise portfolio includes responsibility for areas such as Belize’s free zones and policies aimed at supporting business development and investment. Usher will manage those responsibilities alongside his existing Public Service and Disaster Risk Management portfolios until a permanent decision is made. Mira was granted a three-month leave of absence in June amid public scrutiny over government payments made to businesses reportedly connected to members of his family.
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