By Belize Live News Staff: The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) has issued a formal statement to clarify public concerns regarding the hiring of Jorge Rodriguez as Financial Administrator for the Global Fund Cycle 7 Implementation Unit.
According to the release, the recruitment process began in October 2024 after Belize received full approval from the Global Fund to proceed as Principal Recipient of the program. MET emphasized that the process adhered to strict Government of Belize (GOB) procurement guidelines and was approved by the Global Fund itself.
The Financial Administrator position was publicly advertised on November 4, 2024. Following a screening process, four qualified candidates were shortlisted and interviewed by a diverse panel, which included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Public Service, National AIDS Commission, National Health Insurance, and an external consultant.
Jorge Rodriguez emerged as the top candidate based on a standardized evaluation of technical expertise and experience. His appointment was reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Contractor General before being finalized on December 31, 2024. His official engagement began on January 1, 2025.
The MET stressed that Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez had no role in the recruitment process, as he was assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Trade during that period and only transitioned to MET on March 12, 2025.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and good governance and invited any concerned parties or media to direct queries to their office.
