By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs, has launched a new initiative aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the public sector. The 24-month project, titled “Strengthening Governance for Transparency and Accountability in Belize,” was officially unveiled today in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding support from the United States Government.
The initiative is set to address longstanding governance challenges by building the capacity of key stakeholders, including public servants, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, and the media. One of its primary goals is to strengthen the institutional capabilities of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to effectively handle cases related to breaches of Public Service and General Workers Regulations.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs, emphasized the importance of fostering behavioral changes within the public service to improve governance. “By fostering behavioural changes within the public service and establishing a network of watchdogs, we are laying the foundation for a governance system in which citizens can trust that their government operates with integrity,” Usher said.
The project adopts a multi-institutional approach, forming a community of practice among stakeholders to ensure that governance reforms are sustainable and impactful. Over the next two years, it aims to enhance public trust in government institutions, reduce the perception of corruption, and create a more transparent and equitable governance system.
With a strong focus on capacity building, the initiative is designed with SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives to ensure measurable success. The ultimate goal is to foster lasting change in governance, making the public service more accountable and transparent.
Strategic partnerships between government, civil society, and international organizations, such as the UNDP and the U.S. Government, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the project’s positive impacts extend well beyond its initial timeline, securing long-term benefits for Belize’s governance framework.
This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing Belize’s public sector and restoring public confidence in the nation’s institutions.
