2024 Public Service Awards Ceremony

_{Photo: Thank you to the police officers}

By Kristen Ku

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Monday, June 24, 2024

As Public Service Week 2024 came to an end over the weekend, the Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs held its annual Public Service Awards ceremony in San Pedro Town on June 23 in lieu of Public Service Day.

This week, a series of events were held under the theme “Public Service in Belize: Honoring our Everyday Heroes and Public Servants, Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives.”

This year, the Ministry recognized 1,530 public servants nationwide for their dedication with service ranging from 10 to 35 years. However, this ceremony brought together 108 public servants who have served the Government and people of Belize for 25 years.

“The image of a public servant is not just a trademark, but a carefully crafted personality profile, perfected through an often thankless work ethic. The measure of public service cannot be quantified, but too often it is criticized more than recognized. This fails to support the public servants’ contribution to nation building. It is therefore an honour for me to stand here on this Public Servant Day. It is an honour for me to join others in other countries and around the world in paying tribute to the men and women who have and continue to dedicate their lives to the highest calling – public service,” said Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform and Religious Affairs, in his speech.

Invited guests included Dr. Vincent Palacio, President of the University of Belize (UB), who attended the event as a guest speaker and representative of the UB-Ministry partnership, which focuses on an online platform service aimed at providing training for public officials.

“We are pleased to recognize and acknowledge the dedication, commitment and selflessness displayed by our public servants who work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure the well-being and progress of our communities. Public office is more than a job, it is a calling. It requires a selfless devotion to the greater good and a willingness to work tirelessly for the benefit of others,” said Dr. Palacio.

All 108 officers received medals and mementos from the Honourable Henry Charles Usher and the Governor General of Belize, Dame Flora Chalam, who also paid tribute to the contribution of the officers and their families who took part in the journey.

“I ask you to raise your glasses and salute Belize’s public servants for the efficient and equal treatment they continue to provide to all without malice or favour. I salute you on behalf of a grateful nation,” she said.