The Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority - government is committed to establishing this one - stop tax collector. But, for the 200 plus staffers of the Belize Tax Service who would have to switch their employment to this semi autonomous body - it's not that simple.
According to the PSU - a good number are resisting the future employment options they have been presented with - and reports say some are willing to strike. We asked the PM about it yesterday:
Reporter
"The Belize Tax Service Staff who had decided not to transfer into the wider public service. It appears they are gearing up and they support a strike. Is the government going to try to do anything to avert this?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, you're giving me news. I'm not aware of it. But as I always say, it is your right as a citizen, that if you want to strike or not, that's that's that's on them. I'm now that you're telling me about that, then I guess I'll have to speak to Ms Longsworth to find out. What is important to point out that the whole idea behind SARA is to be able to move it into a semi-autonomous body. And we hope that by doing that, we'll be able to provide a better service to our citizens and also to hold account the employees that that provide that service."
We'll keep following the story.
