Minister Chebat Breaks Silence on Breakup with C.E.O. Mendez
Today, News Five caught up with Minister of Health and Wellness Michel Chebat at a meeting on early childhood development in San Ignacio. Among the first questions asked was what happened with now former C.E.O., Doctor Deysi Mendez, who parted ways with the ministry after only one year? Minister Chebat broke his silence today on the matter, saying that there was a difference in the vision of the ministry.
Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Duane you know what can I tell you. We’ve been working for a year and so on; I have certain goals for the ministry. For me it is essential for us to be able to provide the best possible healthcare to this country; that is my singular goal. I respect Doctor Mendez and I wish her well on wherever she may go and I am sure that she is going to be an asset to whichever department or institution she goes.”
Duane Moody
“Sir it was a difference in philosophy?
Michel Chebat
“You could say that.”
Duane Moody
“Was it that the C.E.O. decided that I wanted to part ways or was it the ministry that said alright I think your time with us has come to an end?”
Michel Chebat
“No I think there was a recognition on both sides that perhaps we needed to move forward.”
Duane Moody
“Sir I’m sure you saw the news; the P.S.U. had claimed that you were squeezing her. She as the chief executive officer had certain roles and she wasn’t allowed to do her job. Was that the case?”
Michel Chebat
“I don’t think that is an accurate representation Duane. I was scolded by the P.S.U. because I had asked that certain expenditure be on a certain level that it be brought to my attention before and I recognise that I may not have had the authority on the law to do that, which I recognise. But it is all part of the process. It was not intended to stymie her power in any way. It was really to have a bit of oversight.”
Duane Moody
“Sir so now, who replaces Doctor Mendez”
Michel Chebat
“I will leave that for the Honorable prime minister to indicate – that is his prerogative – and so I think in due course, he will be announcing.”
