BELMOPAN, Tues. Feb. 23, 2021– The embattled Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, has reportedly been placed on administrative leave for five days pending an investigation into what the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is claiming was misconduct on his part — a claim that is being viewed with cynicism or doubt by some Belizeans, given the timing of the claim: just days after the highly charged public response to his rumored demotion last week. Last week, we reported on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ decision to effectively demote Dr. Manzanero and reassign him to the HIV Unit inside the Ministry. At the time, the CEO in the Ministry, Deysi Mendez, had stated that Dr. Manzanero was aware of the decision and had willingly agreed to the reassignment.
Recent reports, however, are that Dr. Manzanero was advised not to sign a letter that would have indicated his acceptance of his demotion and transfer to the HIV Unit. It appears that this decision triggered an investigation into a decision he made under the past UDP administration — when he allegedly failed to take up an offer from the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA)  to expand COVID-19 testing.
Due to this hesitation on Dr. Manzanero’s part to involve BAHA in the testing that was being carried out by the Health Ministry, Dr. Manzanero is being accused of being in breach of his duty, and of contributing to the number of COVID-19 deaths seen since the offer was made.
On December 1, 2021, BAHA and the MOHW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing for the training of BAHA lab personnel in the methods/techniques of PCR-testing. The parties also agreed to establish a joint working relationship to carry out testing at both facilities.
Dr. Manzanero’s office, until yesterday, was being occupied by Acting Director of Health Services, Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, but in light of the controversy surrounding the possible demotion of Dr. Manzanero, she has chosen to vacate the post and has reportedly returned to her post as Deputy Regional Health Manager and Primary Health Coordinator. As a result, it appears that no one is actively carrying out the duties of Director of Health Services at this time.
It is believed that the offer from BAHA was made to the Ministry of Health during the first half of 2020.