By: Omar Silva

Editor/Publisher: National Perspective Bz – Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Friday 31st January 2025

The immediate termination of Social Security Board (SSB) CEO Dr. Leroy Almendarez, barely five months into his tenure, is no coincidence—it is a calculated political maneuver just as Belize heads into the 2025 General Election campaign season. This abrupt dismissal raises red flags, exposing a deeper issue of governance, transparency, and political control over public institutions.

Key Observations:

Unusual Speed and Secrecy:

• Dr. Almendarez’s tenure now holds the record for the shortest CEO stint at the SSB—an institution that has seen ten CEOs in three decades.
• His termination came suddenly, following an emergency board meeting, with no substantive public explanation from the government.

Silence from the Prime Minister:

• The Prime Minister refused to comment, instead deferring to a press release. His reluctance suggests damage control and an attempt to suppress deeper concerns about internal SSB governance.

Dispute Over Questionable Board Decisions:

• Reports indicate that Almendarez raised concerns over:
• The unauthorized hiring of a Deputy CEO, despite provisions only allowing for an assistant.
• A salary discrepancy where an employee earns more than the CEO.
• Unjustified benefits that would have increased SSB's financial burden.
• His insistence on accountability likely led to his ousting, signaling that the PUP-dominated Board wanted no disruption to its agenda.

Implications for Public Funds and Political Patronage:

• Almendarez had a three-year contract—now broken at just five months. The compensation package for his termination raises questions about how much taxpayers and contributors will pay for this political fallout.
• The SSB is funded by workers and employers' contributions, yet decisions seem driven by political favouritism rather than financial prudence.

Union Concerns and Political Ramifications:

• The Christian Workers Union (CWU) and National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) are reviewing the case. If the unions take a firm stance, the government may face backlash over potential financial mismanagement and undue political interference in labour affairs.

The Bigger Political Picture

• This move signals a clear pattern of political control over key institutions ahead of the election.
• Almendarez's dismissal sends a message to other public officials: questioning the establishment is career suicide under the current administration.
• By removing dissenting voices from leadership roles in critical institutions, the ruling party ensures unchecked decision-making leading up to the election.

Conclusion:

Dr. Almendarez’s removal is not just about internal SSB disputes—it reflects a broader pattern of political manipulation in Belize’s governance. The timing, the lack of transparency, and the financial implications all suggest that this was a purge, ensuring absolute political control over the Social Security Board at a critical moment. Belizeans should ask: Is the SSB being run for the benefit of workers and employers or for political convenience?