And back in the House, the PM introduced the Revenue Authority Bill, which falls in line with the move to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous revenue authority. But the employees have concerns-and so does the business sector; however, the PM explained why it would be better as an authority:
Reporter:
"Some members of staff feel as if you're downplaying the skills that they already have."
Hon. John Briceno:
"Absolutely not. Actually that's why I made the point that it requires specialized skills, and when you leave the way as it is, the Belize Tax Service, directly under the public service regulations, just to drive home the point, they could literally send you anybody when they do transfers. But once you go in a semi-autonomous authority, then they have a better chance to manage their staff, they have a better chance of hiring the people that meet the standards because it is a specialized skill when it comes to the issue of tax-not only collection, but also ensuring that businesses and persons are not trying to deliberately evade taxes, and when they make a mistake they can help them to get back on their feet. So no, it's contrary. It is because it is a specialized, just like the Belize Central Bank, Port Authority is another example, whereby you need this specialized skill and that's why we have that as an authority."
