Public Service Day was first declared in April of 2003, and today, for the first time, Belize marked the occasion. Under the theme, "Belize Public Service: showcasing worth, valuing officers," the observance was marked by various displays, free health check ups and a k-9 demonstration in Belmopan. In Belmopan a ceremony marking the first observance was held. Richard Modavo, senior advisor for public sector reform in CARICAD explains that the day is set aside to ensure that the public service gets more visibility and prominence.
Richard Modavo, CARICAD
"The public service...has been visible. It is in this context that the UN designated the 23rd of June Public Service Day to celebrate what they refer to as the value and virtue of service to the community. And this is particularly with respect to improving transparency, accountability, responsiveness as well as improving service delivery and putting information and communication technology in application in government. I am here today on behalf of the Caribbean Center for Development Administration which is known in short as CARICAD to join the public service of Belize in celebrating this important day. For those who have not been aware, CARCIAD is a CARICOM institution whose mandate is to facilitate and to assist the implementation of modernization initiatives in the public sectors of the Caribbean states."
Today's ceremony saw 361 public officers recognized for long service of 25 years and over. Certificates and pins were issued to honorees by Prime Minister Said Musa and Governor General Sir Colville Young.
