Were Public Service Regulations Skirted in Customs Promotions?

The crux of the matter, according to Lindo, is that the existing Public Service Regulations were circumvented in favor of the promotions that are being called to question.

William Lindo Jr

William Lindo Jr., Attorney-at-law

“Essentially, what we are saying is that you have the Public Service Regulations which is supplemented by the circulars and the circulars set out specifically what the requirements are that you need to fulfill in order for me, the Public Service Commission, to entertain your application for promotion to the post of assistant comptroller.  What the evidence suggests at this point is that there was a wholesale disregard for the regulations and the circulars.  Our position is, quite simply, going back to the turn of the thirteenth century where heads of state got together and said well look, “King John, you might be the king but when the Magna Carta was passed, you are the king but you’re also subject to  laws.”  And the goes for the Public Service Commission which, in fact, Justice Chabot has said in her decision granting leave that the Public Service… This application raises serious issues of public interest, fairness, transparency within public administration.  It is within public interest to ensure that Belizeans are treated fairly and that hiring and promotional processes should be open and transparent as a necessary condition for the good administration of the public service.”