So as we told you in the first segment, the new cabinet has been named, and we spoke with a few senior ministers and new appointees. Well, among those newly appointed is Beverly Castillo. She got 2,560 votes in Belize Rural Central - beating her opponent Dolores Balderamos Garcia by 58 votes. So with that victory, she was officially appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Immigration. Now for some, her appointment is praised and celebrated primarily because she is a woman but when we asked her about that she told us it has nothing to do with that, it has to do with her intellect and competency as a member of the cabinet.
Hon. Beverly Castillo, Minister of State, Immigration
"Well I am humbled. I believe in making that appointment as Prime Minister indicated to me that he feels that I am capable and competent, at least based on my past experiences in the public service and what I have done so far. He is depending on me. I have assured him that I will not let him down, my family and by extension myself."
Courtney Weatherburne
"We've been hearing many times in circles public debate, it's always discussed on morning shows and among the public as well that we need more women in politics. How do you see your appointment following through with that?"
Hon. Beverly Castillo, Minister of State, Immigration
"I believe my appointment came from my competencies and from the fact that I am a woman and I've always said that in all the interviews that I have done, that being a woman is not what propels me into politics. It's because I believe that I am capable and competent. I have the experience of public service and that's why I say for the public service, not only immigration on a whole - what we bring is for the development of the public service."
Castillo was the CEO at the Lands Department for about 5 years.
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