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Thursday, March 28, 2024

World Down Syndrome Day

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Julia Castillo and Orvin Nicholas appointed to KHMH Commission of Inquiry

GeneralJulia Castillo and Orvin Nicholas appointed to KHMH Commission of Inquiry
The other two members of the KHMH Commission of Inquiry have been appointed and confirmed, the Press Office reported today.
  
Joining Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas are Ministry of Health nominee Julia Castillo, a retired nursing professional, and Orvin Nicholas, nominee of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, a retired auditor.
  
This evening we reached Julia Castillo in the Belama area, who said she was a retired Principal Nursing Officer and had been asked to serve on the Commission, but said she had not heard from anyone since the offer was made, and was surprised to learn she had been named to serve. Mr. Nicholas was not at home when we called.
  
The trio has been directed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to: 1) investigate procedures and processes for procuring pharmaceutical, medical and other supplies and equipment at KHMH from January 2007 to June 2009; 2) determine whether due observation and transparent purchase were carried out in procuring such supplies and equipment; 3) determine whether approved or established policy underlay such practices and whether they were carried out without waste or abuse; 4) review and comment on the finished independent audit report of KHMH; 5) determine the presence of wrongdoing if any in the procurement of supplies and equipment, as well as find evidence of fraud, corruption, mismanagement, etc. and identify the persons responsible; 6) identify weaknesses in the process and recommend corrective measures to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels; 7) to recommend any action against persons responsible for breaking established rules and regulations or committing any other wrong act; and 8) hearing matters related to the above.
  
According to the gazetted Statutory Instrument detailing the Prime Minister’s instructions to Justice Lucas, Ms. Castillo and Mr. Nicholas, the Commission is expected to make a report to Prime Minister Barrow as soon as practicable, including necessary comments and recommendations, statement of proceedings and reasons leading to said conclusions.
  
In a nod to the debacle that was the DFC Commission of Inquiry in 2005-07, the Prime Minister is allowing the Commissioners to submit separate reports if they are unable “despite best endeavors” to present a unanimous report.
  
The inquiry will be public and the Prime Minister has directed any and all persons, including public officers connected to the investigation, to provide such assistance as may be required by the Commissioners.

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