JUNT Looks at Enhancing Public Funds Mechanisms  

Another issue that the JUNT is looking at is how the government can cut its costs and enhance its revenues. In May, three aspects were worked on, including the re-establishment of the Cost Savings Committee, the Revenue Enhancement Committee, and the Pensions Working Committee. Today, the committee reported back to the joint unions and the government on where they are with the recommendations that were previously made. Public Union President, Dean Flowers updated us.

 

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“In late September, early October, we should receive reports. interim reports from those committees and hopefully then, moving into the end of the year and into the new fiscal year, we can see implementation of some of those recommendations as well as hopefully new recommendations that will see us become a more efficient public service as well as efficient in our revenue conduction. The adjustment in the pay scale, of course, is always a conversation. I think that it is no secret that the joint unions have written to the government of Belize to say that it is time for us to look at the entire salary restructuring exercise. I believe it was about two weeks ago, a consultant funded by the IDB came to look at the current pay scale, to look at where we are, there were stakeholders’ consultation, and there is a preliminary report that has been sent to the government, which they are currently reviewing. We’re hoping we’ll get a chance to review that as well to see how we can not necessarily revise, but I would say do away with what clearly is an outdated compensation scheme with 20 pay scales that has been in existence for so long. It does not align with the current trend in developing and developing countries and where the compensation package is concerned. Too many anomalies exist and too much discretionary power also exists in every aspect from hiring to what ultimately that compensation package will be. And so, that exercise is tied to the pension reform.”