It's International Public Service Day and across Belize today, government offices staged open days and mounted displays. For the office of governance, festivities were concentrated in Belize City at a local hotel where long service and demonstrated excellence were honoured. We were there.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
The Governor General handed out long se4rvice certificates to dozens of public officers who have worked with government for more than 25 years. Dr. Corinth Morter Lewis who is responsible for the merit award policy discussed the ethos of public service.
Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis,
"Those of you gathered here today are representative of a body of dedicated and responsible professionals. The service that you provide is being valued and recognized."
And the most recognized today were the Belize Archives and Records Service - known previously as the Archives Department and Matron of the Western Regional Hospital Bernadette Wade Rivas. The Prime Minister gave them their honors. Wade Rivas encouraged excellence.
Bernadette Wade-Rivas, Matron - San Ignacio Hospital
"I must encourage other nurses and public officers to be the best in what you do, regardless of the situation or challenges. Have it in you to compete with yourself, always improving at what you do. Don't be like a seashell on the beach, just ordinary common and trampled upon. Be like a pearl that one has to dive to the bottom of the sea to attain. Be different, be outstanding, be exceptional, be extraordinary."
Head of the Archives and Records Charles Gibson says - the award is meaningful for his department.
Charles Gibson, Head of Archives and Records Service
"Now this award I think is very
important for us because it is recognizing the work we are doing. We have a staff that has been working tirelessly going to various agencies to assist in setting up different information management systems."
And Wade Rivas says that the public service is not what you might think of it.
Bernadette Wade-Rivas,
"I know the public service, there's not a good impression of the public service out there but I can say there are excellent public servants inside this organization and there are people who love people and love what they do and I am sure there are a lot of them that give excellent service."
