The Public Service Union has sent out a circular blasting the Briceno administration for the excessive politicization of the public service rank and file. The circular says, quote, "Of recent the Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) has received several reports, photographs, and social media posts which reveal the participation of public officers at all levels engaged in activities of a party-political nature.The PSU wishes to remind all Public Officers that Regulation 60 of the Public Services Regulations, 2014 prohibits the active participation of public officers on behalf of any political party or candidate. On the campaign trails, and during the recently held Nomination Day for Municipal Elections, it was noted that several Senior Public Officers as well as Junior Public Officers were seen actively participating on behalf of political parties." End quote.
Now, we know the same thing happened during the UDP - but the circular concedes that saying, quote, "During the terms of the Barrow Administration, engagement in activities of a party-political nature was rampant, unbridled, and subsequently contributed to corrupt employment practices, the deterioration of quality public service, the politicization of the public service and the degradation of the Public Services Commission. Despite a pledge to do differently, to depoliticize the public service and to restore independence in the Public Services Commission, we note that not much has changed in this regard under the current administration." End quote.
