And aside from the public service, Usher took charge of the Enterprise portfolio after Oscar Mira was placed on Cabinet leave.
Enterprise includes the Free Zone where reports say containers have not been moving out of the zone to Mexico.
We also know that the zone is synonymous with smuggling. We asked Usher about these nefarious elements hardwired into the zone's DNA, but he was more focused on the recent anniversary festivities:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"I don't know what issues you're referring to, but I know that yesterday was the 31st anniversary of the free zone. So, there was an event in there where some of the investors were honored for the work that they have done and for the fact that the free zone remains a vital part of the economy in the north and for Belize on the whole. And it's something that we have to continue to promote in terms of job creation, 3,000-plus persons working in the zone, 333 businesses operating in the zone. So those are the areas that we focused on yesterday."
Reporter:
"How do you feel about actually having, like when you declined to take police, did you also have an issue with Enterprise given all the claims of corruption and narco-elements linked to the free zone?"
Henry Charles Usher:
"So, you know, it wasn't that I declined the portfolio, can't decline the Prime Minister when he comes and says, 'I want you to handle this responsibility.' It was an ongoing discussion that we had when it comes to this same civil service modernization exercise that had already been started, and I said, you know, it will be hard for a new minister to come in now and pick up exactly where it is. At least let us get through this process. I'm happy now that we've been able to get the approval from the IDB. We are moving forward with the modernization, and it's a project that I think is important for the overall services that Government provides, the overall services in terms of in the ministries, both to the civilians, or citizens, and also the public officers, because the Ministry of Public Service, our main customers are public officers, and we have to be able to respond to their needs more efficiently as well when it comes to taking leave, promotions, transfers, etc., we have to be able to respond to those more effectively. So this process will help both areas."
Courtney Menzies:
"But were you wary of taking the Enterprise because of the allegations of all of these things?"
Henry Charles Usher:
"As I said, it was a discussion more having to do with Public Service. It wasn't about what Prime Minister was offering, it was more about what responsibilities I asked him to continue to carry out. When he asked me recently to hold over the portfolio of Enterprise, I said, okay, I can hold it over. We are further along in civil service. I don't know how long I will hold over the portfolio, but I'm there to make sure that all of the regulations, all of the compliance is done in accordance with our laws."
