BELIZE CITY – A critical meeting between Public Service Union (PSU) leadership and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight was abruptly canceled last week, exacerbating already strained relations between the government and the union representing public officers. The scheduled discussion was intended to address sweeping reforms within the Belize Tax Service Department and broader public service modernization initiatives.
PSU President Dean Flowers characterized the cancellation as profoundly frustrating, revealing he received notification immediately prior to an important meeting with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) representatives. Flowers asserted the incident reflects the Briceño administration’s persistent pattern of disregarding public officers’ rights while advancing privatization agendas.
“This administration appears hellbent on violating the rights of public officers and transferring public services into private hands,” Flowers stated during a tense exchange with reporters. “This mantra began under previous administrations and continues under Prime Minister Briceño and ministers Coye and Courtenay.”
The canceled meeting assumes greater significance given ongoing IDB-supported public service modernization efforts. Flowers expressed particular concern over Waight’s subsequent absence from an IDB meeting focused on public service modernization, questioning whether government officials are avoiding necessary dialogue with those expected to implement reforms.
Flowers further criticized Labor Commissioner Cecilia Ramirez for allegedly failing to facilitate crucial discussions between the parties. He asserted that proper execution of her responsibilities would have prevented the meeting’s cancellation and ensured productive dialogue.
The escalating conflict highlights growing tensions surrounding public service reform initiatives in Belize, with the union demanding transparency and consultation while accusing government officials of evading difficult conversations about the future of public services and workforce conditions.