Corozal North area representative Hon. Nemencio Acosta was formally sworn in as the replacement Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation at Belize House on Friday morning.
Hon. Acosta replaces suspended Minister of State Hon. Juan Coy (Toledo West), who was suspended for six months effective March 17 after charges that he inappropriately intervened to help get a constituent out of trouble with the Belize Defence Force for importing contraband goods into the country in February.
Governor General Sir Colville Young swore in Hon. Acosta on the advice of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who also ordered Hon. Coy’s suspension.
Prior to his appointment, Hon. Acosta was a member of the Sugar Industry Control Board, which was at odds with the Sugar Cane Farmers’ association in February over the core sampler unit at Belize Sugar Industries, Tower Hill. Amandala could not verify at press time if he will continue in this post in addition to being junior Minister to Hon. Eden Martinez, sitting Human Development Minister and the other Toledo representative.