Union and G.O.B. Meet to Discuss Workers Concerns at Belize Tax Service

Joseph Waight

Since the Belize Tax Service was launched back in August, as an amalgamation of the General Sales Tax and Income Tax departments, there have been various concerns among members of staff.  Those issues have to do with placement of public officers within that department.  On Wednesday afternoon, the executive of Public Service Union met with government representatives to discuss these concerns and while Financial Secretary Joseph Waight did not attend the meeting, the Belize Tax Service falls under the Ministry of Finance.  Here’s what he shared with us as he exited the court at the close of the case against the government.

Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary

“The meeting just happened yesterday evening.  I have had no report as to the outcome of that meeting, but in general the unions have expressed some concerns regarding the placement of certain officers within the new amalgamated department and we are trying to work out those issues.  But beyond that I cannot really say what the specific concerns are because I have not been part of the direct dialogue.  But we want to address them and we want to ensure that there is fairness, equity and nobody’s rights are in any way stepped on but at the same time we have to organize the department along functional lines so that we can provide better services to the taxpaying public.”