Francis Fonseca Returns to Duty After Open-Heart Surgery

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology Francis Fonseca returned to active duty today after taking two-month medical leave to recover from major open-heart surgery.  Fonseca underwent a triple bypass procedure at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on May 4, after medical examinations revealed serious blockages in three coronary arteries. The senior minister had reportedly sought medical attention after experiencing persistent chest discomfort, leading doctors to recommend the scheduled surgery.  Speaking following his return, Fonseca expressed gratitude to the medical team at the KHMH, as well as the many Belizeans, family members, friends and colleagues who offered prayers and support throughout his recovery.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Yeah, I’m doing great. It’s only been two months. So I think, obviously, I’m not 100% but I’m getting there. But I feel really good. I had a great team of doctors who helped me and guided me through this entire process. I’m very grateful to the entire team at the KHMH. Dr. Coyi, Dr. Lin, Dr. Arriaga, their American partners, the nurses, nurse Blake, nurse Gomez, all of them who really supported me every step of the way. And I’m very grateful I’ll use this opportunity to thank the Belizean people. Very grateful for the outpouring of support and love and prayers that I received from Belizeans across the country, across the political divide. So I’m very very grateful for that and I want to use this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for that outpouring of support. The first few weeks I was you know I really was completely focused on my recovery but certainly in the last few weeks you know I’ve been more in tune with what is happening and more in touch with my offices.”

The 59-year-old minister says the experience has given him an even greater appreciation for the work of Belize’s healthcare professionals and the importance of timely medical attention.