Public officers, government officials, students, teachers, and community members gathered at Central Park to celebrate the 4th Annual Public Service Information Fair on Wednesday, June 1st. The theme selected for this year was: “Our Public Service, A Pillar of Belize’s Growth and Development, Our Hallmark: Efficiency and Professionalism.” During the month of June, public officers will engage in an array of activities that include community service, open houses, and public awareness of available services.
Every year, the world celebrates Public Service Day on June 23rd, and since 2005, Belize has adopted “Public Service Information Day”. This year, Nurse Robertha Herrera and Kristina Romero are the representatives for the public service organizing committee. The Government of Belize is one of the biggest employers in the country, and has many public officers in the different government departments countrywide. At the fair, different government departments were given the opportunity to showcase their work, interact with the public, and receive feedback on ways to further improve services.
The San Pedro Roman Catholic School opened the ceremony with the National Anthem, and Pastor Alex Tzib gave the invocation. San Pedro Education Officer Nelma Jones spoke first at the event, expressing her delight in recognizing the hard work and dedication of all public officers of San Pedro. “We are proud to consider ourselves servant leaders that serve the Belizean public, and provide the essential services that attribute to the smooth running of our country,” said Jones.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero gave his welcome address. “The public service forms one of the biggest sectors in Belize. I am humbled to be invited to these occasions as a part in highlighting the work that our public officers do in the development of our beautiful country,” said Mayor Guerrero.
Guest Speaker at the event was Minister of the Public Service Department, Honorable Frank “Papa” Mena, who visited from Dangriga. “The work of the public service is critical to the achievement of the social and economic development that improves Belizeans’ standard of living. Today, the public service positively affects the lives of thousands in Belize,” said Mena. After his speech, he was presented with a t-shirt sponsored by the San Pedro Town Council.
Following the opening ceremony, each department was recognized and given a certificate of appreciation for its service. Afterwards, Mayor Guerrero and Honorable Mena had the honor of cutting the ribbon to the entrance of the fair. Students, teachers, and the public rushed to get a glance at each booth to receive information and participate in fun activities, including raffles. A total of 22 booths formed the fair: Public Health Water Laboratory, Post Office, Elections and Boundaries, Human Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, NEMO, the San Pedro Police Department, Magistracy Department, Customs, Immigration, National Drug Abuse Control Council, Income Tax, General Sales Tax, BAHA, Treasury, Labour Department, Transport, Local Government, Coast Guard, Belize Port Authority, Ministry of Health-Central Health Region, and the Fire Department.
The public service organizing committee would like to thank all of the public service departments who participated, on their dedication and willingness to serve the community. The committee would also like acknowledges the San Pedro Town Council for sponsoring t-shirts, as well as applauds students, teachers, the public, and food sponsors: Island Torch, El Fogon, Julia Martinez from Black and White, and The Sandbar.
Another activity has been planned for Wednesday, June 22nd. A fashion show titled “What Not to Wear” will demonstrate the proper attire encouraged for public officers to wear. This show will display acceptable casual wear for Fridays. The San Pedro Sun will notify the public as the date draws near.
