Minister Chebat Says that Process is in Line with Public Service Regulations

Marvin Manzanero

As you know, Doctor Marvin Manzanero has been placed on administrative leave as an investigation on allegations of misconduct continues. But what’s been happening with the DHS has been seen by the public as an attack on his reputation and a move to frustrate him out of his substantive position.  The Association of Public Service Senior Managers also said that proper procedure was not being followed and there was a breach of the Public Service Regulations. Minister Michel Chebat maintains that Doctor Manzanero was notified that he would not remain as DHS and there is no breach. 

Michel Chebat

Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness

“Even before Doctor Manzanero went on sickness leave in December, he and I had spoken and he knew back then that he would not be remaining as the DHS. And so there is a major misconception in the public that he is being forced out, that this was sprung on him upon his return a week ago or so.  I think what these people out there who are talking and I think there are two persons in particular who are at the forefront of all of this talk are misinformed, first of all, and I think the information that they are giving to the public is inaccurate to a large extent. Doctor Manzanero was given several options of positions that he could assume and none of the positions would entail a demotion. He would retain his salary, he would retain his benefits, he would retain all of his allowances. But I think it is critical to understand that within the ministry we need to be able to place our people where we think, at the time and place, they can best serve the needs of the ministry and of the health sector. And so that we have identified different places where we believe that Doctor Manzanero could be effective and those offers were made to him.  I am confident that all along we have been following the advice of the Public Service and of the Attorney General’s Ministry. This is not something that we popped up overnight and said “Boy let’s go do this.” But this is something we sought advice on and we have followed the prescriptions.”