Office of the Prime Minister

Cabinet Meeting - 4th April, 2006

Belmopan - 04 April, 2006.

BWS withdraws request for rate review

Cabinet has told Belize Water Services Limited not to proceed with its request to the Public Utilities Commission for a rate review. This action assures the Belizean public that there will be no increase in their water bills.

Belize Water Services Limited had applied to the Public Utilities Commission for a tariff review to meet shortfalls in revenue as a result of increased costs.

The Government and Belize Water Services Limited have agreed to consider other alternatives to meet the Company’s targets.

Toward a more professional public service

Cabinet has approved a number of initiatives to promote public sector modernization and good governance practices, strengthen professionalism in the public service and improve service delivery to the general public.

The first of these measures is implementation of a two-year strategic plan by the Office of Governance. The plan will institute strategic planning tied to the budget process and strengthen the capacity of a cadre of public officers in planning and other developmental areas.

Cabinet also supported a Merit Award Policy which sets out guidelines for the establishment of a meritocracy in which advancement in the public service is based on achievement and ability. The merit award programme is intended to encourage exceptional performance, reward initiatives of individual public officers, and acknowledge sustained good governance practices in Ministries and Departments.

An inter-ministerial committee consisting of a cross-section of senior positions within the Public Service will be instituted to formalize the sharing of information within Ministries.

For further information contact:

ROBERT LESLIE
Cabinet Secretary

April 4, 2006.