PSU Questions Appointment of Abelardo Mai Jr. to Solid Waste Authority

The Public Service Union is seeking answers about the reported appointment of Abelardo Mai Junior as Acting Director of the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. In a letter sent today to Public Service CEO Rolando Zetina, PSU President Dean Flowers requested records showing whether the required recruitment and approval procedures were followed.  The union says it has been informed that qualified and experienced public officers within the Ministry of Sustainable Development were neither considered nor given an opportunity to compete for the post. It says, if that information is accurate, the appointment would represent a departure from the procedures ministries have been instructed to follow.  The PSU is asking whether the vacancy was advertised, whether interviews were conducted, and whether approval was obtained before Mai assumed duties. It also wants the job’s qualification requirements, details of Mai’s employment terms, and an explanation of how his qualifications and experience were assessed.  The letter cites a 2022 circular issued by Zetina and the Public Service’s recruitment manual. According to the union, those documents require approved and documented hiring procedures, including consideration of qualified serving officers.  Flowers says the concern centres on the integrity of the recruitment system. The union argues that bypassing experienced officers can undermine staff morale and public confidence in the impartiality of the Public Service.  If the required procedures were not followed, the PSU wants the appointment reviewed and the position properly advertised so that qualified officers can compete. It has requested a written response and supporting documents within fourteen days of receipt of the letter and says it may refer the matter to the Public Services Commission.