Veteran Doctor and Public Servant Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth Passes Away

Belize has lost a respected medical professional and public servant with the passing of Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth, who died over the weekend.  Dr. Longsworth dedicated decades of his life to strengthening Belize’s health sector, serving in both clinical and administrative roles. He was a former biology lecturer at Belize Technical College Sixth Form, and later trained as a medical doctor at the University of the West Indies.  Upon returning home, Dr. Longsworth worked within Belize’s public health system, including at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later served as Chief Executive Officer of the KHMHA. During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing institutional planning and development, including exposure and groundwork that contributed to the creation of the hospital’s combined Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units.  Beyond hospital administration, Dr. Longsworth remained actively engaged in national health and social services, serving on the board of HelpAge Belize.  Colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional who believed in returning his skills to serve Belize, combining technical competence with an approachable and steady leadership style.  Dr. Longsworth is survived by his former wife, Luz, and two adult children. His passing marks the loss of a committed Belizean whose contributions helped shape modern healthcare delivery in the country.