Farewell Doctor Fernando Cuellar

Doctor Fernando Cuellar was laid to rest today. The beloved medical professional dedicated his life to serving the nation in the private and public healthcare sectors. When he lost his battle to blood cancer in April, news of his passing sent waves of sorrow across the nation. As we reported, he passed away in the presence of his siblings at a hospital in the U.S. They have since returned to Belize to lay him to rest. This morning, his funeral procession stopped in front of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the Belize Medical Associates where his former colleagues got to say their final farewell. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Doctors and nurses at the KHMH formed a line in front of the hospital’s entrance to pay respect to the late Dr. Fernando Cuellar. He lost his battle to blood cancer in April while seeking medical attention in the U.S. This morning, a funeral procession carrying an urn with Dr. Cuellar’s remains passed in front of the hospital where his former colleagues bade him farewell. Dr. Cuellar’s immediate relatives were there to great the hospital staff. His son, Shawn Cuellar, shared a few words.

 

Shawn Cuellar, Son of Dr. Fernando Cuellar

“It is beautiful to see all these people here. I would never gauge the amount of people or the level of impact that he had on this country. But by just seeing these people’s faces out there I am beginning to realize how much he meant to Belize and how much he cared for his work. I am extremely thankful, even if it is just a simple message, it means so much, so much.”

 

Dr. Cuellar began his career at the old Belize City Hospital on Eve Street. His last posting at the hospital was in early 2022, as a member of the board of directors. Cuellar’s friend and former colleague, now Chief Executive Officer at KHMHA, Nurse Chandra Cansino, found it important to be present for the procession today.

 

Chandra Cansino, C.E.O., KHMHA

“As you are aware, Dr. Cuellar was larger than life and he really was a part of the medical community everywhere in the country. He spent many years at Karl Heusner is several capacities as well. He was our emergency medicine, head of emergency medicine, then he was the director of health services. SO, he served at KHMH in many capacities. And even up until the end of this year he was helping us to cover shifts at the intensive care unit when we needed him. So he was always helping and serving. So it was very important for the medical community here at KHMH who may not have the opportunity to go to the church to bid him farewell.”

 

C.E.O Cansino became overwhelmed with emotions while speaking about the impact that Dr. Cuellar had on her life as a healthcare provider.

 

Chandra Cansino

“Doctor Cuellar was somebody I considered my friend. He was one of the few persons that checked on me when I got this job, always asking me how I was doing. And so, it is personal and it is professional and I really am glad we got the opportunity to say goodbye.”

 

After leaving the KHMH, the procession headed over to the Belize Medical Associates on St. Thomas Street. Dr. Cuellar worked at the private healthcare facility for the last twenty-three years of his life. There, his former colleagues also gathered to bid him a final farewell. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez