Third C.E.O. Steps Down from Ministry of Transport  

Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson is changing C.E.O.s for a fourth time since taking office in November 2020.  That’s because Doctor Gilroy Middleton, who has been the second in command of that government department since January, has resigned.  According to Ferguson, his C.E.O. received a better job offer from the University of Belize and has decided to demit office.  Since assuming that portfolio almost four years ago, Minister Ferguson has been assigned three C.E.O.s, including Marconi Leal Junior, Adele Catzim and Gilroy Middleton Junior.  Earlier today, News Five spoke with Ferguson by phone, who told us that he shared a cordial and productive relationship with Doctor Middleton.

 

On the phone: Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport

“The C.E.O. and myself have a very good relationship and there was an offering for him at the University of Belize and he believes that the package was extremely excellent, especially with whatever comes with the package.  He lives in Belize City and so said, “Minister, it is best that I live in Belize City and work in Belize City.”  As C.E.O., he use to commute from Belmopan to Belize City.  So he chose to go back to Belize City and that’s it.”

 

 

Isani Cayetano

“This would be the third C.E.O. you would be changing within the past four years or so.  What’s next in terms of finding someone to replace him?”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“I don’t know, that is the responsibility of the Prime Minister.  So even when my second C.E.O. gone, it was because Minister Dolores [Balderamos-Garcia] said she wanted her to be her C.E.O., as a female.  So there was no disparity between myself and the past C.E.O. and likewise Mr. Gilroy.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“What happens in terms of being able to deliver on the works of your ministry in the interim?”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“Normally, once a C.E.O. leaves another C.E.O. holds over temporarily.  But each department has a head and so we function as normal.  But normally a C.E.O. receives the directives as assigned by the Cabinet Secretary or by the Prime Minister.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“When is Dr. Middleton’s resignation effective?”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“I think on Monday.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“Do you have any succession plan in the short term?”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“That is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and so he will decide between now and Monday as to who will be my new C.E.O. or whatsoever the case may be.”