Minister of State Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes Yet to Settle Into New Role
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
Since the start of the year, we have been reporting on the Prime Minister’s decision to move Minister of State Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration over to the Ministry of Sustainable Development. Following the move there were questions about why Prime Minister John Briceño made that decision. While the PM has said that the transfer was done simply to increase the effectiveness of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, on Thursday we caught up with Minister Cervantes at a handing over ceremony in Belmopan where we asked him about his new responsibilities. Here is what he told us.
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes, Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainable Development
“Last week I met with Minister Habet and C.E.O. Dr. Williams and had a brief introduction to it, but C.E.O. Williams asked me for some time to have my office ready and at the same time I was hit with a flu also. But, this is my first event here with the Ministry.”
Paul Lopez
“What are the particular areas that will see you guide, lead and set visions for under the ministry?”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“I was asked by the PM to deal with the National Emergency Management Organization, the National Fire Service, and Solid Waste Management. It is a matter of organizing ourselves. I haven’t gotten to the point where we have organized in details any specificity on how we will structure ourselves. So, we will work on that.”
Paul Lopez
“What did you make of the decision to have you transition or transfer to the Ministry of Sustainable Development? Did it catch you by surprise?”
Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes
“Well the Prime Minister called, sent me a message and said he wanted to meet with me. Then he said Monchi I want you to go over to assist Minister Habet in these areas, which as you know was together with the Ministry of Natural Resources. That had been officially transferred over to this ministry. We are here to serve at the behest of the Prime Minister. Let me make clear that I have not had a problem with my then senior minister, Minister Eamon Courtenay. We have a good relationship. We have never had a fall out.”
