More revelations in K.H.M.H. Commission of Inquiry

The Commission of Inquiry into irregularities at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital resumed proceedings today in Belize City. First to testify was the former Supplies Manager of the K.H.M.H., Carlton Usher, who was fired after space labs allegedly went missing. Usher’s evidence complemented that of the Supplies Manager, Delroy Herrera. The testimony showed that without any reason, contracts for meat and vegetable supplies were altered in one case, given to a more expensive provider. Also on another occasion, the hospital was sold tainted fish. But there were more startling revelations that Usher brought forth.

Carlton Usher, Former Supplies Mgr., K.H.M.H.
“There was an instance where Mr. Carlos Perrera, the Director of Finance, signed off on requests for duty exemption for items that were available at Central Medical Stores. The company that bought the items on behalf of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital was MD Pharmacy, one of the very selective suppliers that I was told to purchase from. The types of items were basically syringes and gloves and other items which I can’t really recall. But there were various types of syringes and various types of gloves that were requested for purchase. At the point in time when these goods came in, I held the entire shipment of goods at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, being that they were purchased for and on behalf of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the fact that they had duty exemption. Me and Mr. Darwin Henderson were told that we were involved in practicing of holding items at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital that in fact were not for Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and that it was against the policies and procedure of the said institution.”

Orvin Nicholas, Commissioner
“The same gloves?”

Carlton Usher
“Yes, the same gloves and same syringes. I told Mr. Perrera exactly about this situation and for some reason he told me that “You are only supposed to receive items that you have an invoice for”. I told Mr. Perrera that these items for the fact that they are duty exempted and are purchased for and on behalf of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, in effect is the property of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as far as I am concerned.”

Orvin Nicholas
“Who delivered the items?”

Carlton Usher
“These particular items were delivered by Mr. Ramos.”

Orvin Nicholas
“Who is Mr. Ramos?”

Carlton Usher
“He is the broker, a Customs broker.”

Usher said his letter of termination was delivered to his home on the third day of his suspension. He said the termination letter pre-dated the suspension.