And switching gears now, Belize's largest hospital celebrated its 27th anniversary today. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital changed the face of public healthcare when it first opened back in 1995. And since then has provided services to tens of thousands of Belizeans from every corner of the country and every walk of life. And though they have had to contend with limited resources and funding, the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff work tirelessly to save lives... The same staff that was on the frontlines during the height of the pandemic.
So today, they were celebrated in a ceremony held at the hospital. The prime minister reminisced on when KHMH first opened its doors, while the CEO spoke about the dedication of its staff.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I still remember vividly when this institution was inaugurated Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. I was 2 years in politics at that time. The late Ruben Campos was the Minister of Health and I was in such awe to be hearing this new hospital at that time state of the art and realizing somehow that this institution is going to play a very important role in the development of our country."
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMHA
"As we celebrate our 27th birthday or anniversary, because I hear it being used unanimously, Dr. Coye prefer birthday. We salute the staff of this institution for all they have given and continue to give of themselves and even of their families. We can never thank you all enough. Where COVID is concerned, we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. While the tunnel may be long and dark, we are many and we will walk together. We will support those who may need a little help and persuade those who may need a little push. As our own little village upon itself, we will always be here for each other."
And the anniversary aligns with other good news coming out of the Cabinet brief. Two weeks ago, doctors and nurses in every district walked out of their respective hospitals in protest. And while the KHMH only did so in support of their colleagues, it still sent a resounding message. And according to the brief, quote, "Cabinet gave its approval for the removal of overtime restrictions for healthcare workers. This will improve the terms of service and timeliness of payment of overtime to healthcare workers." End quote.
Today we asked the prime minister about this.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I think that's what we need to remember, not that they walked out. As I said earlier in my speech, that way, we commend them because they made their point and quickly went back to work and I think that is what we need to remember that the dedication, that the staff, the doctors, the nurses even the cleaners the people that fix up the maintenance, all of them, there are so many moving parts that make up Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital a success and to have daily miracles in this place, it is our Lord, one, but because we have approximately 700 Belizeans working here every single day, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears, and love for what they do."
