By Belize Live News Staff: The Ministry of Youth and Sports is under scrutiny after Minister of State Devin Daly revealed that a staggering $7 million out of the department’s $7.5 million budget is being spent on staff salaries, leaving just $500,000 for programming and maintenance.
The revelation was made during an interview on Open Your Eyes, where Daly acknowledged growing concerns about whether the Department of Youth Services (DYS) is delivering real impact for the country’s youth, particularly those in the 14–29 age group.
The department currently employs about 120 people, but according to Daly, vacancies and internal movements have disrupted operations. “Whenever a staff member is moved or transferred and the position is not filled, it displaces the staff below them,” he explained.
Daly, alongside Minister Anthony Mahler, has been holding internal reviews with departmental directors to assess the real impact of DYS programs and whether they are data-driven and effective.
“We’ve been canvassing and finding out what is the data to support the work that you have been doing,” Daly said. “Do you think this is working? Do you think this is touching the 14-29 age group?”
While Daly admitted that changes are inevitable, he was careful to add that there’s no intent to displace dedicated staff. “We are not here to displace anybody who is here doing their work,” he said.
The revelations have raised broader questions about public sector efficiency and whether the current structure of DYS is truly aligned with the needs of Belizean youth.
