The proposed Belize Revenue Authority is facing mounting resistance, with the Public Service Union warning that modernization could come at a high cost for government workers. The PSU says the bill fails to guarantee job security, pensions and union rights, leaving tax officers uncertain whether they will even have to reapply for their current positions. Union leaders also accuse the government of sidelining workers and rushing the legislation without meaningful consultation. Now, PSU wants the process paused and the bill rewritten. Speaking with News Five last week, President Dean Flowers also criticized the elected representatives who supported the legislation in the House.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, PSU
“This bill removes all oversight from almost a billion dollars. This bill puts all the authority on how money is spent, how goods and services are procured, how contracts are issued, it puts it in one political person. How can you all, being elected by the people ,for the people, support such nonsense. It is either an indication that you all did not read the bill or an indication that you all did not comprehend what you read or it’s an indication that your attitude is to hell with the Belizean people, party over country. And I am imploring the Belizean people to read that bill and reject that bill and of course we will be lobbying the social partner senators that when that bill goes to the Senate, they reject it. Of course, the government will say you are wasting your time because it is a money bill, it has to do with finance, so we will ram it through. Well, that is where the people will have to stand up.”
A Senate meeting is scheduled for next week where the Revenue Authority Bill is expected to come up for debate.
Government Defends Revenue Authority Overhaul
The government says the proposed Belize Revenue Authority is not just a new name for the Tax Department, but a major overhaul of how Belize collects and protects public revenue. Despite strong resistance from the Public Service Union, the Ministry of Finance argues that the reform will create a more efficient, accountable and technology-driven institution capable of attracting specialized talent and improving taxpayer services. Financial Secretary Joseph Waight says existing tax officers will get first preference for jobs, while permanent employees who are not selected will remain within the wider public service. He also insists that workers will keep the pension benefits they have already earned, and those who transfer will enter a new pension plan now being developed. Government has rejected several of PSU’s proposed amendments but says it is prepared to clarify protections for workers, alternative positions and the Auditor General’s oversight. Officials maintain that the semi-autonomous authority will remain subject to the Constitution and government scrutiny, while gaining the flexibility needed to strengthen tax collection and safeguard the public purse.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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