Dr. Mendez to Head NHI, while Lesbia Guerra takes over as C.E.O. in MOHW

As we reported last week, Doctor Deysi Mendez is no longer the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Health and Wellness and her replacement is former Lands C.E.O., Doctor Lesbia Guerra. But as Public Service Minister confirmed with the media today, Doctor Mendez is going to remain within the ministry – however, not in the driving seat, but as the Head of the National Health Insurance. Minister Usher says that there was no conflict between Mendez and Minister Chebat, but that the moving pieces were all part of the plan by the Briceño Administration.

Henry Charles Usher

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional & Public Reform

“I know that came out about conflicts and so on, but in reality, this was a move that was being planned from before, in terms that C.E.O. Mendez is better suited to work along with NHI so she is being moved over to work with the NHI program. As we started in PlanBelize, we do intend to roll out NHI countrywide; we need somebody with the experience, with the expertise to be at the forefront of that program and C.E.O. Mendez is certainly qualified as an expert in that area. Now in terms of the new C.E.O., Doctor Lesbia Guerra, I am very excited about all the work that she has done before. She has worked with the Ministry of Health before in different capacities; she has her own private practice as well so she brings a wealth of experience. She signed a one-year contract with Ministry of Lands, which is good because she got immersed in government work so she understood what the C.E.O. work is all about. So I believe it will be a smooth transition over to the Ministry of Health.”