GOB Approves Overhaul of Public Service Pay System

One of the key outcomes at Monday’s Cabinet meeting was the approval of a comprehensive review of the Belize Public Service’s pay and grading system. According to the report, funded through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), recommendations for modernising the system were made, with a focus on improving efficiency and ensuring “equal pay for equal work” within the public service.

In a separate development, the Cabinet approved an extension for the People’s Constitution Commission, giving the body until May 17, 2025, to complete its final report on the country’s Constitution. This extension will allow the Commission to finalise its findings and submit them to the Prime Minister. 

Cabinet also addressed an error in the Social Security Act, which had incorrectly referred to the Chairperson of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Committee. The amendment corrects this mistake and ensures that the decisions made by the General Manager during a period not covered by the law are validated.

Another important change is the amendment to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, which now includes provisions for responding to emergencies caused by outbreaks of animal or plant diseases or pests. 

Additionally, the government introduced the One in a Million Raffle, a new lottery initiative launched by the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL). The raffle is being held to mark the anniversary of the government’s takeover of the national lottery, and the profits will be used to fund social programs like the National Health Insurance (NHI). A portion of the proceeds will also go to support various charitable causes across Belize.