Earlier this week, Belize Health Care Partners announced that it had taken over 100% of the assets of Universal Health Services. But the first thing we asked was, "what about the $45 million in publicly guaranteed debt that the hospital had racked up?" Well today we put that question to Attorney General Francis Fonseca. He's the only Minister who the Prime Minister kept in the loop throughout - even as Cabinet was not informed of the signing of the guarantee. Today Fonseca told us that Belize Health Care Partners will take over all the debt.
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Attorney General
"We are free from all liability. The government has abolsutely no exposure as it relates to that debt. We are free from all liability and the Prime Minister has kept true to his word and his commitment that no tax payers will be spent in resolving that matter and in paying off that debt. The Belize Bank has been paid, satisfied, and that is the end, in our minds, of that matter."
Jules Vasquez,
Have they received a guarantee of a revenue stream as would come from NHI?
Hon. Francis Fonseca,
"I am aware of no such guarantee."
Today's Amandala quotes Belize Health Care Principal Dr. Vinny as saying that the paperwork has not yet been finalized, and after it is settled next week, his group will have a press conference.
