And while it surprised many in the public and political sphere that Vega lost Natural Resources and didn't gain any substantial ministry, for many it was equally, if not more surprising that two of the most publicly criticized ministers, Wilfred Elrington and Pablo Marin got to hold unto their ministries. Marin retains the Ministry of Health, while Elrington is still Foreign Minister - while the Attorney General's Ministry is passed over to newly named Senator Vanessa Retreage, who becomes the first female AG. But, the foreign ministry is where Elrington generated all the Guatemala controversy - so do these two appointments mean that the prime Minister is immune to public sentiment? He said that he is not, and that is why he has taken measures to improve the overall profile of the Health Ministry at the leadership level:...
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"We cannot be dismissive of public opinion. But I would say this starting with the Ministry of Health. All of us in cabinet were convinced that Pablo is an extremely hard working dedicated minister. But because as I said I am satisfied that Pablo gives it his all and that his all is more than decent. I was determined that he ought to be re-appointed. Also though, conceding that as I said public perception is important, I thought we give new CEO to the ministry so that the public can see we are taking onboard some of your concerns. We bring in Dr. Campos and assigned particular areas of responsibility to him. Man, in the context of a holistic approach in those particular circumstances, I am pleased to re-appoint Pablo with the new help now for Dr. Figueroa and from Dr. Angel Campos."
As PM Barrow noted, Marin will have a new Chief Executive Officer, and that is Dr. Ramon Figueroa - who his currently the Director of Health Services. Former CEO, Peter Allen is now CEO in the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Utilities.
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