The document is the welcome address by Mrs. Myrtle Palacio for International Public Service Day in Belize on June 23, 2006. She discusses how the public service has been embarking on a journey of change, modernization, and transformation since 2005 to improve service delivery. This includes launching a public service website for greater transparency and accountability. She invites public officers to download and participate in their strategic plan. She highlights how this is the first time Belize is celebrating International Public Service Day to showcase and recognize the worth of public officers. The Office of Governance aims to continue investing in employees' skills development through training programs to work effectively.

1. INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE DAY, 2006
UB Auditorium, BELMOPAN
June 23, 2006
Welcome Address by Mrs. Myrtle Palacio
“Belize Public Service Day: Showcasing our Worth, Valuing our Officers”
The Journey continues. . . . . .
In October 2005, we embarked on a journey—a journey of change, transformation,
modernization, change to improve the Public Service., thereby providing the people of
Belize with a more effective service delivery. Yes Change . . .
In January 31, 2005 we launched our website for wider accessibility to information, in a
way widening accountability and transparency. I invited you to join the journey then--
mi casa es tu casa, was my tune. Did I say Change? . . . .
In April 2006 our road map and blue print for change was accepted by the Minister for
the Public Service, the Prime Minister of Belize, the Cabinet; and then shared with the
CEOs. That road map is our focus, our direction, our Strategic Plan, and we are
implementing that Plan. I invite you to download a copy from our Website and be an
active participant in our journey. Heck Change … .
Today, June 23, 2006 is a special day. Why? It is the first time that Belize is joining
other UN member states in publicly celebrating this day and making the public Service
visible countrywide. Yes, there was no budget, but there was no stopping us; instead it

2. became another first—first in the harmonization of efforts, of networking, of building and
strengthening partnerships. Also, it is the first time in a very long while, that we have
publicly recognized the of our officers, our workers, our human capital. I did say
change!! . . . and Belize @ 25 is a good time to start.
. . . . . Today, we are showcasing our worth as Public Officers countrywide.
The position of the Office of Governance is to continue to invest in people, develop a
high performance skills base by enhancing the soft skills that employees need to work
effectively---join us in the ongoing developmental training programs that are facilitated
by CARICAD. Come dream with us…………….
On behalf of the Staff of the Office of Governance, it is my honour to welcome you to
todays journey. Let me also welcome you as partners of change, thereby ensuring mucho
broad participation.
I thank you
Myrtle Palacio
Director Office of Government
June 2006