Government departments assigned to new ministries

Public officers, those government employees who carry on the nation’s official business regardless of which party is in power, have been informed regarding the new allocation of departments to the various ministries created by the new government. While most of the assignments follow the traditions set over several decades of practice, a few departments were a tossup. Among the major new moves are the re-allocation of functions formerly under the Ministry of Finance to the beefed up Ministry of Budget, Economic Development, Investment and Trade. Among the many responsibilities which fall under the new ministry and its head, Ralph Fonseca, are banking, customs and excise, Income Tax, Recondev, Social Security and Treasury. Another ministry that has more to it than meets the eye, belongs to former Belize City Mayor, Joe Coye. Among a list of responsibilities in Labor, Commerce, Industry and Public Services come the added burdens of fire service, Post Office, prisons and elections. On a note closer to home the responsibility for broadcasting and information, departments which have never had a true permanent home, has been placed under the Minister of Tourism, Mark Espat. Don’t worry Mark, you’ll be hearing from us soon.