Minister Usher Defends Proposed Revenue Authority Management Structure

Minister Henry Usher was also questioned about the PSU’s objections to the proposed Revenue Authority, commonly referred to as SARA, and its management structure. The union has focused particularly on provisions relating to the Minister of Finance’s proposed authority to appoint and remove the Revenue Authority’s Chief Executive Officer.  The PSU argues that the proposed advisory board would have comparatively limited powers and wants stronger checks and balances, institutional independence, transparency and accountability built into the legislation. Usher responded to those concerns and addressed the Government’s approach to the proposed management structure.

Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, People’s United Party: “I think that question should be asked of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Finance, the Financial Secretary. My job is to look out for the employees of the institution, to look out for all the public officers to make sure, as I said, that they get the right information, that they make an informed decision and that they are treated fairly. I’ve said this before and I will continue to say this. As Minister of the Public Service, my job is to make sure that the employees of any government institution are treated fairly, get the information that they need so that they can make an informed decision going forward. The policy decision to move towards a revenue authority is one that has already been supported and so I have to make sure that whatever happens with those employees if they are going to remain there in the new entity, if they come into the wider public service or they decide to move on we have to make sure that they get the information that they’re treated fairly and they have an opportunity to make an informed decision so that is my role.”

The disputes over NeoPeople and SARA come amid a period of increased public pressure from the trade union movement. The PSU maintains that while the Government has the authority to establish national policy, the union has a responsibility to scrutinise policies that could affect public officers and the wider population.   Usher indicated that the administration remains prepared to listen to the unions and address legitimate concerns while carrying forward reforms designed to modernise the public service, improve efficiency and strengthen the delivery of services to the Belizean people.