Today, the legacy of Kenneth and Kevin Guerra was memorialised in their hometown of Benque Viejo. They are the twin doctors from Benque who died 10 days ago within hours of each other from COVID related symptoms.
This morning, the Minister of Health and Wellness, unveiled theirs as the new names for the former Mopan Polyclinic.
Their family was there for the unveiling of the sign in a moment both touching and sad, since the two 33 year old Benque boys - who both worked in the public healthcare system - will never know that the memory and contribution will endure.
At the dedication today, Minister Michel Chebat said that their names on that clinic will make them synonymous with health and healing in their community:
Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness
"Today marks a very historic moment for the ministry of health and wellness. It is our intention to honor Drs Kevin and Kenneth Guerra for their unselfish dedication in providing health services to the people of this country and more importantly to pay tribute to both of them here in their hometown. They were both true examples of hard working, responsible and caring doctors. Their compassion, understanding and patience made them exceptional care givers and this has been echoed by their patients and colleagues. The government of Belize, the ministry of health and wellness and the citizens of Belize are indebted to Drs Kevin and Kenneth Guerra. We share in your loss as a ministry and as a country. To show our appreciation and gratitude we have decided to rename this facility in memory of both doctors. Today it gives me pleasure to join you in the renaming and relaunching of this facility as the Drs Kevin and Kenneth Guerra Polyclinic 2. I also wish to say that we have every intention at the ministry of health and wellness to provide adequate and reasonable and efficient healthcare throughout the country of Belize and Benque Viejo will be no different."
"Over the past 2 decades the population of Benque Viejo Town has doubled and so has the need of providing healthcare services. For many years, health services were provided through the Mopan Health Centre that became too small of the demand of health services in the area. For that reason, this polyclinic was constructed and funded by a joint venture between the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Kingdom. Since then, this polyclinic has been providing health services to Benque Viejo Town, the village of Succotz, Arenal Village, Calla Creek and Corozalito. This facility offers outpatient services for acute and chronic illnesses, family and community health services which includes prenatal care, postnatal care and child health. Additionally, this facility is equipped to provide urgent medical care."
Dr. Kevin worked at the Placencia Health Center and Dr. Kenneth worked at the San Ignacio Community Hospital. They were both Cuban trained.
