By: NP Staff writer

Belize City 16th February 2023

It has been a slow and dreadful week for prompt delivery of public service and it is really having an impact on citizens at every level of society.  

The walk out by the staff of thе Маgіѕtrаtе’ѕ Соurt in Веlіzе Сіtу, Cayo and Corozal districts, among other departments like Election and Boundaries, Treasury, Agriculture, Western Border Immigration Staff, Belize Tax Service and Transport Department are considered essential services that citizens depend on daily.

Whether public officers characterize their absence as sick outs, they are willfully slowing the wheels for the delivery of service and igniting the fuse for industrial action against the wider population.

Minister of the Public Service, Henry Charles Usher has told the media that as a government, they are compelled to respect the right of public officers even though their actions affect the delivery of service.

Usher said that that as elected Representatives, they must guarantee that government offices remain open to provide the mandated uninterrupted services to citizens. 

When public officers fail to deliver government's mandated services, it is the public who suffers. This is evident in the delayed service delivery. The public relies on public officers to provide essential services such as health care, education, and public safety. When these services are delayed, it can cause inconvenience and frustration to the public. For instance, if a public hospital is understaffed due to a strike, patients may not receive timely medical attention. This can lead to a backlog of services and a backlog of complaints, which can have a domino effect on the community.

When public officers are absent from work or not performing their duties, it can lead to poor service quality. This can lead to mistakes, errors, and omissions that can cause harm to the public. For example, if public school teachers fail to show up for work, students' education may suffer. It can also lead to longer wait times and more frustrated and angry customers.

Trust is an essential aspect of democracy. When public officers fail to deliver essential services, it can cause a reduction in trust in government. This can lead to a decrease in the number of citizens who participate in the democratic process, as well as a decrease in the willingness of the public to pay taxes. For instance, if a government agency fails to provide accurate and timely information to the public, it can create a sense of distrust and suspicion.

Delayed or interrupted service delivery causes economic losses to individuals and businesses. For example, if a public officer fails to process a business license, it can prevent a business from operating, leading to economic losses. If a public officer fails to process a loan application, it can lead to financial losses for individuals. These economic losses can have a ripple effect on the community and the wider economy.

While public officers have the right to express their concerns, it is crucial to ensure that the people they serve receive the delivery of service they deserve. Failure to deliver essential services can cause delayed service delivery, poor service quality, reduced trust in government, and economic losses to individuals and businesses. Therefore, the government must ensure that public officers are held accountable for providing uninterrupted services to citizens, and reforms in the public sector should be examined to provide an efficient, fair, and equitable system.