P.M. meets with senior managers

The Prime Minister Said Musa met with the Association of Senior Managers of the Public Service this afternoon in Belize City to answer their concerns and questions about working with the new government and public sector reform. He referred to the code of conduct signed by all government ministers upon taking office and the promise that they would treat others with respect. He also spoke about what the government can do to assist senior managers in their work.

Said Musa, Prime Minister

“The first point states and I quote, “You should consider yourself a servant of the people and act accordingly with humility and without arrogance,” end of quote. Most importantly we agreed to treat members of the public and public officers with dignity, decency and compassion. There is no place for the slightest display of arrogance in this P.U.P. administration.

Two weeks ago I had a refreshing meeting with your executive of the association in Belmopan. They raised a number of issues, some of which no doubt have engaged your attention during today’s session. They pointed out that senior managers felt distanced from policy decisions and policy directions. We promised to correct this, making the Cabinet Secretary accessible to senior managers. They felt that heads of departments had restricted autonomy in matters of personnel and finance, yet were required to manage and deliver within that limited scope. We promised to delegate more authority to senior officers to have more control over staff and spending.”

This is the first time the Prime Minister has met with the heads of departments since taking office. The meeting was held at the Fiesta Inn.