Minister Usher’s Vehicle Wrecked, Taxpayers Left With Questions
The driver survived, but the crash involving Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher’s government-assigned vehicle has left several questions unanswered. The minister was not present when the accident happened in Belize City, but the heavily damaged vehicle is now raising concerns about the circumstances of the collision, the cost to taxpayers and whether Usher has received a replacement. Today, the minister said his immediate concern is that his driver is alive and well. Police also weighed in.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
“Now when it comes to the incident, number one, I found out about it later, the first thing I did was check if he is ok. Number two, I made sure a police report was made, which was done. Because it is a government asset, it was turned over to the Assets and Utilities Management Unit and a report was made to them. The ministry is now awaiting the response from that report.”
Paul Lopez
“What do you understand happened, did you have that conversation? Was speeding involved so that the vehicle was significantly damaged?”
Henry Charles Usher
“Well, I was not present so I would not be able to comment on the details. But, he is ok and the report was made to assets and utilities.”
Paul Lopez
“This is a pretty expensive public asset, who fits the bill?”
Henry Charles Usher
“Well, number one, the vehicle was purchased by Assets and Utilities. It was a preowned vehicle, second hand vehicle and it was assigned to the ministry. So you are right, it a public asset and when the report comes back, whatever is the conclusion will be honored.”
Paul Lopez
“In the meantime, has a new vehicle been assigned to you?”
Henry Charles Usher
“No sir, no sir.”
Paul Lopez
“So, how are you getting around?”
Henry Charles Usher
“Well the ministry has other vehicles assigned to it and that is how I am getting to my official duties right now.”
Paul Lopez
“So another vehicle has been assigned to you.”
Henry Charles Usher
“No, no, it is vehicles assigned to the ministry.”
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Yes police have been investigating it. It is an ongoing investigation. I have not been apprised of that information, however I will make inquiry and advise the media of such.”
Reporter
“Was the vehicle insured?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“I believe so, I am not sure. It was not on the face of the report, however given that it was a government it is the hope that the required documentation was along with it.”
ASP Smith says the vehicle was equipped with technology to determine if speeding was involved. She further noted that the outcome of the investigation can lead to the driver being surcharged for the damage the vehicle sustained.
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