Leadership Crisis Hits National Bus Company Weeks After Launch

A major shakeup in public transportation just weeks into a nationwide rollout; Belize’s National Bus Company is already searching for new leadership. CEO Susana Vanzie has stepped down less than three months after launch, right as the company pushes to expand and bring more operators on board. The sudden exit comes at a crucial moment, and just days after encouraging talks with rural bus operators showed growing buy-in. Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh insists this was always the plan. With growing questions about stability and confidence, can the national bus project stay on track?

 

On The Phone: Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“ We were very pleased that she agreed to offer some of her time in this early stage of the development, which – But they are both very busy, and so it was just a matter of how long they could have offered their services. And she indicated to us a couple weeks ago that she was able to serve up to the 15th of May. We’re truly grateful for her service, and she continues along with her brother to support the NBC’s development in their capacity as shareholders.”

 

Shane Williams

“It seemed to be something that would cause concern for stakeholders.”

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“No, none at all. Absolutely none. My only concern is that overall where things of this nature are put in the public that immediately there is a negative connotation. I think that is a concern we should have across the country in terms of how we bring to bear critical thinking to news items of this nature. Without knowing the details, people jump to conclusions that, “Oh, it must be something negative that occurred,” and “Oh Ms. VanZee might be unhappy with the progress,” and all negativity. I think it’s a small example in which we can all look in the mirror and ask ourselves why is it that we have to have a negative connotation for everything?”

 

Stable Now, But Who’s Steering? NBC Hunts for New CEO

 

And while the National Bus Company says day-to-day operations remain stable, Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh admits the company still needs a central figure to steer its rapid expansion. He says a formal search is now underway for a new CEO, with the board opening the position to applicants both inside and outside the organization.

 

On The Phone: Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“You have to have a point person that reports to the board and gets instructions from the board of directors. And that, yes there is a solid structure in place in which there are very strong regional managers who have experience in the bus sector, who have been doing a tremendous job. But no, there is need for a CEO. There is need for that kind of structure where you have a lead person that is inspiring the transition and the change and ensuring that those policies from the board are being carried out and that the growth and development of the NBC is occurring.”

 

Shane Williams

“And are you looking at some candidates that were on the radar before Ms. Vanzy accepted the temporary offer?”

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“Yeah. No I believe the board is aware that there are a number of other people within the organization that have demonstrated great commitment. But I know that the NBC has put out an ad for a CEO so that others could apply, and I think that is just a good approach to take because now other people from the general economy, different sectors of the economy who may have an interest could apply for that position. And then compare that to those who are already within the NBC to make a decision on who would be best to lead the entity going forward. Zabaneh says the wider search should find someone to lead the company through a major transition in public transport. So far, there’s no timeline for naming a new CEO.”

 

CEO Exit Fuels Doubts Over National Bus Company’s Direction

 

As the National Bus Company pushes ahead with its modernization drive, criticism is now coming straight from the industry it hopes to transform. German Tillett, co-owner of Tillett’s Bus Line, says the reality on the ground tells a different story from the promises made by the Briceño administration. He points to a steady stream of complaints, ranging from recurring mechanical problems to concerns about how the company is being managed financially. For Tillett, the recent exit of CEO Susana Vanzie only deepens those concerns. He argues it’s a sign the rollout is moving too fast and without careful planning needed to make such sweeping overhaul work.

 

German Tillett, Co-Owner, Tillett’s Bus Line

“Today we are hearing the Cabinet is asking to approve financing for a fleet of electric buses, placing the full weight on the backs of Belizean people, so I ask, what is happening with the PPP model? What has changed? And now we are hearing that the CEO, Susana Vanzie has stepped down amidst these very issues. If this is true, then we have serious questions. Who is in control, who is responsible for the National Bus Company? Despite all this the government wants to move ahead with a major investment in electric buses. I am not against innovation. But modernization without information is recklessness. Two electric buses were given to Westline as a pilot project. Up to this date, there have been no transparent report with the public. Where is the data on battery life, on climate conditions, impact of heat, rainfall and operational demands. Are these buses even viable for Belize?”

 

As we reported, Minister Zabaneh says CEO Vanzie’s posting was always meant to be on a temporary basis.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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