Public Service Regulaion

B E L I Z E
Public Service
Regulations
2001
MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

BELMOPAN, BELIZE, C.A.
B E L I Z E
Public Service
Regulations
2001
MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

BELMOPAN, BELIZE, C.A.
FOREWORD
As Minister with responsibility for the Public Service, I am pleased

to introduce the Public Service Regulations 2001 - the first for the New
Millennium. I consider this to be of some significance. The ushering in
of a new era signals the advent of a new beginning- a new way of
thinking and doing things. Unfortunately, however, remnants of our
colonial past still cling to us and this is manifested in the legacy of the
Westminster Model of administration that remains our greatest challenge
in the Public Service.
An attempt has therefore been made, through the Public Service Regulations 2001,
to depart from management practices of an era long gone and to herald in a new public
management, one free from rules and regulations that to date constrain rather than sup-
port management.
Managerial paradigm shifts are taking place in line with the socio-economic devel-
opment of our country. The cheese has Moved! As Minister with responsibility for the
Public Service, I am satisfied with these efforts which have been made to improve on the
Public Service Regulations 1997 and in this regard express thanks and appreciation to
the Joint Staff Relations Council for the commendable work it did to bring about a set of
regulations more conducive to modern management practices.
I am confident that these Regulations will assist managers and supervisors to more
effectively cope with the challenges of human resource management and lend to greater
overall effectiveness of the Public Service.
JOSE COYE
Minister for the Public Service
PREFACE
His Excellency the Governor General, in accordance with Section 106 (3) of the
Constitution, has, on the advice of the Minister responsible for the Public Service, signed
into Law the Public Service Regulations 2001. These Revised Regulations are intro-
duced five (5) years after the Public Service Regulations 1997 came into effect.
The Regulations govern the conditions of service of public officers appointed un-
der Sections 106, 110D and 110F of the Constitution. They are, however, not intended to
supplant entirely, departmental instructions of a technical nature issued by Heads of De-
partments, providing such instructions are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
A new feature of the Regulations is the absence of the powers of the Public Ser-
vices Commission as provided for in Section 106 (1) of the Constitution. Provisions
emanating from these powers are embodied in the Public Services Commission Regula-
tions 2001.
The Public Service Regulations 2001 reflect a more modern, decentralized approach
to the management of the Public Service. Nevertheless, one is ever mindful of the need
for continuous improvement. The revision process will therefore be an ongoing one in
keeping with the changing environment. Public officers are encouraged to contribute to
the process by making recommendations for further improvements to the Ministry of the
Public Service from time to time.
MARIAN McNAB (MS)

Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of the Public Service
BELIZE:
PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS, 2001
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
PART I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
3. Application.
4. Affirmation of Secrecy.
PART II
APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
5. Authority for appointments.

6. Qualifications for appointment and promotion.
7. Procedure for filling vacancies.
8. Appointment on absence ending relinquishment of post.
9. Overseas appointments; travel arrangements.
10. Signing of bond or contract;
11. Criteria for appointment and promotion.
12. Clerical examination.
13. Promotion to First Class Clerk.
14. Period of secondment.
15. Salary of officer returning from secondment.
16. Vacation leave earned prior to secondment.
17. Record of particulars of officers.
18. Resignation.
PART III
CONDUCT OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
19. Conduct of officers generally.

20. Standard of behaviour.
21. Substance abuse.
22. Hours of duty.
23. Absence from work during duty hours.
24. Absence from duty without permission.
25. Performance appraisal report.
26. Attendance register.
27. Strict punctuality and attendance.
28. Forbidden conduct by public officers.
29. Use of government vehicles.
30. Conduct in financial matters.
31. Public officers and the media.
32. Disclosure of confidential documents.
33. Access to personal records.
34. Representation from public officers to members of the National Assembly.
35. Engagement in political activities.
36. Legal proceedings against public officers.
37. Industrial action.
38. Strikes by public officers.
39. Officers to be properly attired.
40. Uniforms.
41. Officers to conduct themselves with decorum.
42. Senior public officer responsible for act of junior public officer.
43. Sexual harassment forbidden.
PART IV
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
44. Public officers entitled to leave as of right.

45. Authority for the grant of leave.
46. Application for leave and leave roster.
47. Deferment of leave.
48. Mandatory leave.
49. Compulsory leave.
50. Extension of leave.
51. Leave not to entail extra staff.
52. Leave on urgent private affairs.
53. Payment in lieu of leave prior to retirement.
54. Payment in lieu of leave prior to resignation.
55. Payment in lieu of leave prior to dismissal or termination.
56. Vacation leave entitlement.
57. Methods of calculating leave days.
58. Periods during which leave is not earned.
59. Minimum service for vacation leave.
60. Maximum accumulable leave.
61. Payment of leave eligibility on death of officer.
62. Sick leave.
63. Sick leave in excess of entitlement to be treated as vacation leave.
64. Extended sick leave.
65. Sick leave for use in case of illness of spouse or children.
66. Officers frequently absent on sick leave may appear before a Medical Board.
67. Submission to medical examination.
68. Sick leave during vacation leave.
69. Maternity leave.
70. Maternity leave entitlement.
71. Maternity leave without pay.
72. Paternity leave.
73. Post natal leave on death of mother of child.
74. Special leave.
75. Leave without pay.
76. Duty leave.
77. Compassionate leave.
PART V
TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
78. Training policy for the Public Service.

79. Authority for the grant of study leave.
80. Minimum period of service for study leave.
81. Non-approval of study leave.
82. Study leave on full pay.
83. Training agreement.
84. Fulfilment of bond prior to further study leave.
85. Extension of study leave.
86. Study leave without pay.
87. Part-time study leave up to two days per week.
88. Study leave for more than two days per week.
89. In-service training programmes.
90. Annual report from institution of learning.
91. Obligations while on training.
92. Officers to submit copies of final reports, etc.
93. Suspension or termination of study leave.
94. Training awards.
95. Penalty for termination.
96. Assistance for correspondence courses.
97. Training at local institutions.
98. Non-refundable expenses for self-initiated training.
99. Guidelines for study leave.
100. Paid travel costs.
101. Grant of normal increment on return to duty.
102. Grant of increments on promotion immediately on return from study leave.
103. Maintenance allowance.
104. Resettlement grant.
PART VI
SALARIES, ALLOWANCES AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS
105. Salaries for public officers.

106. Officers to receive salary at minimum of scale.
107. Incremental date.
108. Performance appraisal determining factor for increments.
109. Salary payable on promotion.
110. Increments for qualifications.
111. Merit awards.
112. Retention of services of an officer in former Department.
113. Salary conversion on revision of an officer’s post.
114. Acting allowance.
115. Relocation allowance.
116. Housing allowance.
117. Subsistence and meal allowances.
118. Bush allowance.
119. Commuted subsistence allowance.
120. Reimbursement of lodging expenses.
121. Allowance in respect of travelling on duty abroad.
122. Reimbursement of travelling expenses.
123. Warm clothing allowance.
124. Travel allowance.
125. Mileage allowance.
126. Motor vehicle maintenance allowance.
127. Transfer grant.
128. Officers not eligible for transfer grant.
PART VII
ADVANCES
129. Advances.
130. Nominal service charge on advances.
131. Requirements on approval of motor vehicle advance.
132. Other advances.
133. Grounds for refusal of advance application.
134. Repayment of advances.
135. Vehicles not to be sold or disposed of without permission.
136. Advance not to be granted within three years of previous advance.
137. Repayment of debt when officers leave the Service.
PART VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Residential Quarters
138. Occupation of official quarters is subject to availability.

139. Occupation of official quarters.
140. Transfer or death of officer occupying official quarters.
141. Quarters to be kept clean.
142. No alterations by occupiers of quarters.
143. In the event of damage, officers to make good damage.
144. Yearly reports on buildings.
145. Certificate of service.
Disaster Management
146. Disaster preparedness.

147. Disaster Coordinator.
Stationery
148. Purchase of stationery.

149. Care of stationery.
Use of Telephone
150. Answering of telephone calls.

151. Avoidance of correspondence.
152. Use of telephone.
153. Prior permission for overseas communications.
Correspondence between Departments
154. Identification of correspondence.

155. Single subject communication.
156. Correspondence between Departments.
Government Gazette and other Documents
157. Officers to acquaint themselves with Gazettes, Acts, etc.

158. Vetting of legal matters by the Attorney General’s Ministry.
Other matters
159. Funeral grant payable on death of officer.

160. Official seals or stamps.
161. Franking stamp.
162. Circulars.
163. Copyright and royalties.
164. Safety equipment and clothing.
165. Inclement weather gear.
166. Surcharge in case of damage or loss.
167. Repeals and commencement.
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FIRST SCHEDULE
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SECOND SCHEDULE
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THIRD SCHEDULE
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FOURTH SCHEDULE
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Public Service Regulations, 2001 Belize Constitution 1
BELIZE:
STATUTORY INSTRUMENT
NO. 160 OF 2001
REGULATIONS made by the Governor-General, acting in accor-

dance with the advice of the Minister responsible for the Public
Service, given after consultation with recognised groups within
the Public Service, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him
by section 106 of the Belize Constitution, Chapter 4 of the Laws
of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and all other powers thereunto
him enabling.
(Gazetted17th November, 2001.)
PART I
PRELIMINARY
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Short title.
PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS, 2001.
2. (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: Interpretation.
“Commission” means the:-
(a) Judicial and Legal Services Commission established under CAP. 4

Act 2/2001.
section 110E of the Constitution in respect of judicial and CAP. 4
legal officers specified in section 110F of the Constitution; Act 2/2001.
(b) Security Services Commission established under section CAP. 4

Act 2/2001.
110C of the Constitution, in respect of members of the Belize CAP. 4
Defence Force and police officers specified in section 110D Act 2/2001.
of the Constitution;
(c) Public Services Commission, in respect of public officers

not referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this definition;
2 Belize Constitution Public Service Regulations, 2001
CAP. 4. “Constitution” means the Belize Constitution;
“Gazette” means the Belize Government Gazette and includes any

supplement thereto;
“Head of Department” –
(a) means a public officer in charge of the day to day

operation of a Department within a Ministry;
(b) includes the Accounting Officer of the Ministry;
“Government” means the Government of Belize;
“Chief Executive Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer to the

Ministry concerned with the matter in issue and includes; in the case of
the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Secretary; and in the case of the
Attorney General’s Ministry, the Solicitor General;
“public office” means any office of emolument in the Public Service;
“public officer” means a person holding or acting in any public office

and the word “officer” shall be construed accordingly;
“public service” means, subject to the provisions of these Regulations,

service in a civil capacity in respect of the Government.
(2) For the purposes of these Regulations a:-
(a) reference to an office in the Public Service shall be

construed as including officers on the Governor-
General’s personal staff;
(b) reference to an office in the Public Service shall not

be construed as including references to the offices
of the Prime Minister or other Ministers, Ministers
of State, Speaker or Deputy Speaker or member of
the House of Representatives, President or Vice-
President or Senator, member of the Belize Advisory
Council, or member of any Commission established
CAP. 4. under the Constitution, or the Clerk, Deputy Clerk
or staff of the National Assembly, or the Ombudsman

or the Contractor-General; or
(c) person shall not be regarded as holding a public office

by reason only of the fact that he is in receipt of a
pension or other like allowance in respect of service
under the Government.
(3) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, a

reference to:-
(a) a Department, includes a reference to a Ministry;
(b) the masculine gender, includes a reference to the

feminine gender, and a reference to the singular
includes a reference to the plural;
(c) any power exercisable by a Commission shall refer

to officers appointed under sections 106, 110D and
110F of the Constitution. CAP. 4.
3. (1) Subject to subregulations (2), (3) and (4) below, the pro- Application.
visions of these Regulations shall apply to all public officers.
(2) These Regulations shall not apply to:-
(a) an office of a Justice of Appeal;
(b) an officer to whom section 110B of the Constitution CAP. 4.

applies;
(c) an open vote worker to whom the Government S.I. 145 of 1992.
S.I. 111 of 1993.
(Open Vote) Workers Regulations apply; S.I. 37 of 1995.
S.I. 41 of 1997.
(d) an ambassador or High Commissioner;
(e) offices to which sections 107, 108 and 109 of the CAP. 4.
Constitution apply;
(f) an office of a Justice of the Supreme Court; and

(g) any other category or class of officers where special

Regulations are made in respect of that category or
class of officers.
Regulations apply (3) Where an officer appointed under section 106, 110D or
to officers acting
in 107 positions.
110F of the Constitution is acting in the office of an officer appointed
CAP. 4. under section 107, 108 or 109 of the Constitution, the provisions of
these Regulations shall apply to that officer.
Regulations apply (4) Where a person is temporarily appointed to hold a post on

to temporary the permanent establishment, the provisions of these Regulations shall
appointees.
apply to that officer, notwithstanding that he shall be holding his office
in a temporary capacity.
Affirmation of 4. Every public officer shall, if and when required by his Head
Secrecy.
of Department, but as far as possible, immediately after joining the
Public Service, subscribe to the affirmation of office and secrecy set
Schedule. out in the Schedule to these Regulations.
PART II
APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
Authority for 5. Permanent appointments in the Public Service shall be made

appointments.
by the:-
CAP. 4 (a) Security Services Commission in respect of public

2 of 2001.
officers referred to in section 110D of the
Constitution;
CAP. 4 (b) Judicial and Legal Services Commission in respect

2 of 2001.
of public officers referred to in section 110F of the
Constitution;
CAP. 4 (c) Public Services Commission in respect of public

2 of 2001.
officers referred to in section 106 of the Constitution.
Qualifications for 6. The educational or professional qualifications and other re-

appointment and
promotion.
quirements for appointment to permanent posts in the Public Service
shall be determined by the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the
Public Service, after consultation with the appropriate Ministry.
7. When a vacancy occurs in a post, the Chief Executive Of- Procedure for
filling vacancies.
ficer of the Ministry where the vacancy occurs shall report it to the
Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service and state his
recommendations for filling the post.
8. Whenever an officer is on leave of absence pending relin- Appointment on

absence pending
quishment of his office:- relinquishment of
post.
(a) another person may be appointed to that office; and
(b) that person shall, for the purpose of any function of

that office, be deemed to be the sole holder of that
office.
9. (1) Where appropriate, the provisions of this Regulation shall Overseas

appointments;
apply to a person who is selected from overseas for appointment to a travel arrange-
public office in Belize. The term “child” in these Regulations means ments.
any children of the officer, including legally adopted children and step-
children of the person appointed who are below the age of eighteen
years, unmarried and wholly dependent on the person. The term “pas-
sage” means a passage by a route approved by the Chief Executive
Officer, Ministry of the Public Service, as a normal route which may
include journeys necessarily undertaken in any process of trans-ship-
ment.
(2) The person appointed:-
(a) shall, in the absence of any arrangements to the Transportation

allowances.
contrary, receive passage at the expense of the
Government by the most direct and economic route
from the country of residence to Belize for the officer,
spouse and dependent children, not exceeding four
persons in all, if they accompany or follow the person
appointed within twelve months of appointment;
(b) may be required to execute an agreement in the form Refund of cost of

travel in certain
specified by the Ministry of the Public Service to contingencies.
refund the cost of the passage, including the cost of
transporting his baggage and personal effects as
provided in paragraph (c) below in certain
contingencies. For the purpose of this Regulation,

the term “country of residence” means the country
from which the person was recruited;
(c) shall normally be granted the following allowances

for transport of baggage and personal effects:-
(i) ocean freight charges up to a maximum cost of

one-half ton (500 kg.) weight, exclusive of the
baggage allowance provided on the passenger
tickets issued to the officer and family;
(ii) the cost of transporting baggage and personal

effects from the person’s home to the place of
embarkation and from the port of disembarka-
tion to final destination; and
Claims not to be (iii) reasonable expenditure in respect of bill of lad-

met by Govern-
ment.
ing charges, export shipping charges and
agency fees. Claims for packing, crating, stor-
age at the point of embarkation and disembar-
kation and claims for insurance shall not be
met by Government.
Signing of bond 10. Persons appointed from overseas to established posts who
or contract.
have received the entitlement outlined in Regulation 9 above, shall
sign a bond or contract to work in the Public Service for a minimum
period of two years.
Criteria for 11. (1) No officer shall be appointed or promoted to a post for
appointment and
promotion. which he is not qualified.
(2) The promotion of officers to fill vacancies shall be ap-

proved by the relevant Commission, and the Commission shall base its
decision on the following factors in descending order of importance:-
(a) Performance/Merit;
(b) Integrity/Professionalism;
(c) Experience/Employment History.
Clerical examina- 12. (1) Officers in the clerical grade shall be required to sit the
tion.
clerical examinations.
(2) Officers eligible to sit the clerical promotional examina- Clerical promo-
tion must be confirmed in their appointment and have been successful tional examina-
tion.
in the clerical examination.
(3) The clerical promotional examination shall be designed

primarily to test the officer’s power of expression, his general knowl-
edge of Belize, its system of Government and its problems, and the
officer’s particular knowledge of Government Departments. Candi-
dates shall be allowed full access to such documents as will help them
to acquire the necessary information.
(4) On passing the clerical promotional examination, an of- Award of incre-

ment for passing
ficer with a good performance appraisal report from his Head of De- clerical promo-
partment shall be eligible for the award of one increment. tional examination.
13. To become eligible for promotion to the post of First Class Promotion to
First Class Clerk.
Clerk, an officer shall:-
(a) have been successful in the clerical and clerical

promotional examinations;
(b) have served at least four years as a Second Class

Clerk; and
(c) meet the criteria set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of
subregulation (2) of Regulation 11.
14. (1) An officer may be seconded up to a maximum period of Secondment.

two years to an office or post outside the Public Service. Such
secondment, save in exceptional cases, shall not be renewable. The
officer shall be governed by the rules and regulations of the receiving
organization.
(2) An officer shall continue to pay the usual contribution

during the period of his secondment.
(3) Subject to subregulation (4) below, the service of an of-

ficer while on secondment shall count for superannuation purposes.
(4) All applications for secondment shall be made by the of-

ficer concerned to the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public
Service. Approval for secondment shall be contingent on the exigen-

cies of the Service.
Salary of officer 15. An officer who has successfully completed a period of

returning from
secondment.
secondment shall normally revert to the point in the salary range of his
substantive office, which he would have reached if he had not been
seconded.
Vacation leave 16. An officer shall utilize or be paid in lieu of all vacation leave
earned prior to
secondment.
earned prior to his departure on secondment.
Record of 17.(1) Head of Departments are required to keep written or com-

particulars of
officers.
puter record of the following particulars of officers in their Depart-
ments on the assumption of duty of such officers:-
(a) addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail and any

changes thereto;
(b) next-of-kin and their addresses.
(2) Heads of Departments are responsible for ensuring that

records of the service of every officer in their Department are main-
tained in personal files which may readily be transferred to another
Department on the transfer of the officer.
Resignation. 18. (1) An officer wishing to resign:-
(a) must give at least one month’s notice in writing;
(b) must honour, or make acceptable arrangements to

honour, all outstanding debts owing to Government;
and
(c) is entitled to all benefits due to him.
(2) Failure to give adequate notice of intention to resign may

result in dismissal.
(3) Heads of Departments are responsible for ensuring that steps

are taken to recover all outstanding debts owing to Government.
PART III
CONDUCT OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
19. In accordance with section 121 of the Constitution, all public Conduct of
officers gener-
officers shall conduct themselves in such a way as not to:- ally.
CAP. 4.
(a) place themselves in positions in which they have or
could have a conflict of interest;
(b) compromise the fair exercise of their official

functions and duties;
(c) use their office for private gain;
(d) demean their office or position;
(e) allow their integrity to be called into question ;nor
(f) endanger or diminish respect for, or confidence in,

the integrity of the Government.
20. All public officers shall therefore: Standard of

behaviour.
(a) demonstrate the highest level of professional conduct

and personal integrity in the performance of their
duties and in serving the public;
(b) treat everyone, including other public officers, clients

and members of the general public with courtesy,
respect, fairness and objectivity;
(c) display a positive attitude and be pro-active in the

exercise of their duties; seek to understand and to
satisfy the real needs of members of the public; and
volunteer information and services as appropriate;
(d) in the exercise of their official duties, not confer any

special benefit and/or give preferential treatment to
anyone on the basis of any special relationship; and
(e) render service in a timely, efficient and effective

manner.
Substance abuse. 21. (1) The use of alcohol, controlled drugs, intoxicants, narcot-
ics or any other illegal substance is prohibited at the workplace.
(2) Arriving at work under the influence of any of the sub-

stances set out in subregulation (1), or using any such substance whilst
on duty, is prohibited.
Hours of duty. 22. (1) The hours of attendance at work for the various catego-
ries of public officers shall be as determined by the Minister for the
Public Service, and the following applies in respect of hours of duty:-
(a) all officers shall be required to work a minimum of

thirty-nine and one-half hours per week;
(b) no permanent alteration of the determined hours of

work of any category of public officers may be
effected unless the Minister responsible for the Public
Service so approves, but Heads of Departments may
require any or all of the staff of their Department to
work temporarily for longer hours than those
determined whenever the public interest so requires;
(c) additional hours worked shall be compensated for

by overtime for which approval shall be given by
the Ministry of Finance, or by appropriate time off
in lieu of overtime. This Regulation does not apply
to officers in the professional Grade of the Service;
(d) subject to subregulation (2) below, officers shall

normally not be required to work on Saturdays,
Sundays, Public and Bank Holidays.
(2) Officers working in Departments providing essential ser-

vices and field staff to certain Departments may be required to work
up to forty-five hours per week and up to nine hours in any one day.
Where the nature of the officer’s work so demands, he may be re-
quired to work on weekends and on Public and Bank Holidays.
Absence from 23. (1) No officer may absent himself from duty during working
work during duty
hours.
hours without the permission of the Head of the Department in which
he works or such other officer as may be deputed for this purpose by
the Head of Department.
(2) An officer who absents himself from duty without per-

mission and without an adequate reason to the satisfaction of the Head
of Department may be subject to a deduction from his salary. Aggra-
vated cases could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
(3) The deduction shall be recovered from the officer’s salary

at the end of the month following that for which the penalty is im-
posed. It shall be calculated on the basis of the officer’s regular hourly
rate of pay and shall be in proportion to the salary for the period during
which he was absent without permission.
24. (1) An officer shall make every effort to contact his Head of Absence from
duty without
Department in the case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances permission.
on the first day of his absence.
(2) An officer who absents himself from duty without per-

mission and without an adequate reason to the satisfaction of the Head
of Department, may be subject to a deduction from his salary. Aggra-
vated cases could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

rate of pay and shall be equivalent to the salary for the period during
which he was absent without permission.
25. Every officer shall be appraised on a semi-annual basis and a Performance

appraisal report.
Performance Appraisal Report shall be submitted to the Office of the
Services Commission on submission of requests for promotion, acting
appointments, or disciplinary action.
26. (1) Every officer, except those who may be exempted by the Attendance
register.
Head of Department, shall sign his name in the Attendance Register
kept in the Department for this purpose and insert the time of his ar-
rival and departure from duty. The Head of Department shall deputize
an officer to examine and initial this Register every day and bring to
his notice any case of habitual or frequent unpunctuality or absentee-
ism on the part of any officer. The Head of Department or such senior
officer as he may designate shall examine this Register at least once
every month.
(2) Where exemption from signing the attendance register is

granted to an officer, such exemption shall apply to all officers within
the same category and not only to the individual officer.
Strict punctuality 27. (1) Strict punctuality shall be observed at the workplace. Any
by public officers.
officer who is late without an adequate reason to the satisfaction of the
Head of Department may be subject to a deduction from his salary.

rate of pay and shall be equivalent to the salary for the period during
which he was late.
(3) In addition to the deduction referred to in Regulations 23,

24, and 27 above, an officer may be subject to other additional penal-
ties set out in Regulations made for that purpose from time to time, if
the officer’s Head of Department recommends the imposition by the
Commission of such penalties, due to an officer’s persistent late atten-
dance or absenteeism from work.
Forbidden 28. (1) An officer is forbidden to:-

conduct by public
officers.
(a) engage in any private work for payment or gain
which conflicts with his official functions;
(b) use information and/or any material gained from his

official position for private gain;
(c) exploit the status and privilege of his position for

private gain;
(d) solicit and/or accept payment and/or gift for the

performance, or neglect of his official duties;
(e) conduct private business during working hours and/

or on Government property.
Use of govern- 29. Public Officers are prohibited from using Government
ment vehicles.
vehicles for private purposes.
30. The Financial and Stores Orders, together with the Finance Conduct in
financial matters.
and Audit Act, shall govern the conduct of officers in connection with CAP. 5
the receipt, custody and disbursement of public funds and the custody
of Government stores and other assets.
31. (1) Public officers are forbidden to be editors of newspapers Public officers
and the media.
or to take part in the management of newspapers, directly or indirectly.
They may not contribute to any media in Belize or elsewhere on ques-
tions, which may be regarded as party-politics, though they may con-
tribute articles upon subjects of general interest.
(2) An officer, whether on duty or on leave, shall not allow

himself to be interviewed on matters affecting the National Security of
Belize.
(3) Statements to the media involving public policy shall not

be made by Public officers without prior clearance from the Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer.
32. Subject to the Freedom of Information Act, a public officer Disclosure of

confidential
shall not, without the approval of the Chief Executive Officer con- documents.
cerned, make public or communicate to the media or cause to be made
public or so communicate to the media or to unauthorized individuals
any documents, papers or information which may come into his pos-
session in his official capacity, or make private copies of any such
documents or papers.
33. Public officers shall have access to records personally relat- Access to
personal records.
ing to themselves with the prior permission of their Head of Depart-
ment. The Head of Department may require the public officer to in-
spect the records in his presence or in the presence of some other se-
nior officer.
34. (1) Public officers who may wish to make a representation Representation
from public
regarding matters affecting their conditions of service, should do so officers to
personally or through their accredited union representatives to their members of the
National Assem-
Head of Department and should not directly approach a Member of bly.
the National Assembly. Upon receipt of the representation, the Head
of Department shall:
(a) respond within seven days, after date of receipt,

where the matter can be dealt with internally; or
(b) forward such representation to the appropriate

authority within seven days, if the matter cannot be
dealt with within the Department.
(2) The Head of Department should state in a separate memo-

randum his own views on the representation made and make definite
recommendation as to the merit of the representations.
(3) When the officer has not received a reply within fourteen
(14) working days he shall forward a copy of his representation di-
rectly to the Chief Executive Officer in his Ministry, the Chief Execu-
tive Officer in the Ministry of the Public Service or the relevant Com-
mission, as the case may be.
Engagement in 35. A Public Officer is expressly forbidden to:

political activi-
ties.
(a) run for office as a candidate in any National or
Municipal election;
(b) participate actively on behalf of any party or

candidate in any National or Municipal election; or
(c) accept appointment or election, whether paid or

unpaid, as an officer of a political party.
Legal proceed- 36. (1) Where legal proceedings are instituted against a public
ings against
public officers.
officer in respect of any act or omission committed in the performance
of his duties, such public officer shall be entitled to the cost of legal
assistance if the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Solicitor Gen-
eral advises the Attorney General that it is a proper case for legal assis-
tance and the Attorney General is of the opinion that it is in the public
interest for such assistance to be given.
(2) Where proceedings brought against an officer are defended

by Government, and the Attorney General considers that it would be
advisable to settle such proceedings, the following procedure shall
apply:-
(a) the Attorney General shall recommend to the

Financial Secretary the amount for which he
considers that efforts should be made to settle such
proceedings and also the amount, if any, which

Government should contribute towards such
settlement;
(b) if the officer is requested to contribute towards the

settlement and agrees to make the contribution
decided upon, he shall so state in writing and,
thereupon, the Attorney General may take steps to
settle such proceedings; and
(c) if the officer does not agree to contribute the amount

decided upon, Government may refuse to continue
to defend him.
(3) Where, as a result of the act of a Public Officer, legal

proceedings are successfully brought against the Government and the
Government deems it desirable to settle such proceedings out of court,
disciplinary action and/or surcharge may, if the circumstances so war-
rant, be instituted against such officer.
37. Disputes in the Public Service, which may involve or give Industrial action.
rise to industrial action, shall be determined in accordance with any
law or enactment, which makes provision for the determination of such
disputes.
38. (1) Without prejudice to the laws relating to essential services, Strikes by public
officers.
if an industrial dispute results in a strike, salaries and wages of officers
who go on strike shall not be paid for any day or portion of a day
during which they are on strike.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subregulation (1)

above:-
(a) if an officer merely reports for work on any day of a

strike but does not work for the day, he shall not
receive pay in respect of that day;
(b) if an officer works for only a part of a day of a strike,

he shall not be paid for that period of the day during
which his services were withheld.
(3) Any public officer who engages in a strike not arising out
of, or not resulting from an industrial dispute with the employer, ren-
ders himself liable to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Officers on leave (4) At the commencement of a strike, Heads of Departments

to report to duty shall inform all officers on leave of the existence of the strike and re-
during a strike.
quest them to report for duty immediately. Officers who fail to report
to work shall, in the absence of satisfactory explanation, be deemed to
be in support of the strike and shall not be eligible for pay from the
date of the commencement of the strike until such time as they report
for duty and commence work, or until the strike is concluded, which-
ever occurs first. This provision applies to officers on any type of
leave except:-
(a) sick leave;
(b) maternity leave;
(c) leave on urgent private affairs;
(d) special leave;
(e) study leave;
(f) leave outside Belize; and
(g) duty leave.
(5) It is expected that there will be some workers who report

for duty and are willing to work but are precluded from doing so be-
cause of circumstances beyond their control. These workers will be
paid their normal salary.
Officers to be 39. Public officers shall be appropriately attired for work in a

properly attired. manner, which demonstrates professionalism decency and a respect
for colleagues, clients and members of the general public. Chief Ex-
ecutive Officers are responsible for the enforcement of the Dress Code.
Uniforms. 40. Where, in respect of any function discharged by an officer, it

is considered that uniforms are required for organizational reasons and
identification purposes, the conditions applicable to the provision of
such uniforms shall be determined from time to time by the respective

Head of Department.
41. (1) Public officers shall conduct themselves with decorum Officers to
conduct them-
while at work so as not to disturb others, and so as to maintain an selves with
atmosphere of efficiency and purposefulness at the workplace. In par- decorum.
ticular, officers shall not engage in loud conversations, sing or play
radios above a barely audible level at the workplace. They shall not
eat or drink in areas to which the public has access.
(2) In no circumstances shall items which offend good taste

or morals be displayed in a Government Office.
42. A senior public officer, authorized to issue instructions to a Senior public

officer respon-
junior officer and to compel his obedience, shall prima facie be re- sible for act of
sponsible for any act or omission on the part of the junior officer dur- junior public
ing the course of the junior officer’s employment. The senior public officer.
officer shall be liable for appropriate punishment for any dereliction of

duty on the part of the junior officer working under his control or su-
pervision, unless it can be shown that such act or omission arose through
no neglect or fault on the part of the senior officer and that all proper
and adequate steps were taken to prevent the occurrence.
43. (1) Sexual harassment at the work place is forbidden. Public Sexual harass-
ment forbidden.
officers who engage in sexual harassment shall be liable to disciplin-
ary action, including dismissal.
(2) For the purpose of these Regulations, the term “Sexual

harassment” has the meaning assigned to it in the Protection Against
Sexual Harassment Act. CAP. 107.
PART IV
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
44. Subject to the exigencies of the Service and to these Regula- Public officers
entitled to leave
tions, officers shall be entitled to leave, as set out in this Part, as of as of right.
right.
45.(1) Authority for grant of vacation leave to individual public Authority for the
grant of leave.
officers is vested in the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public
Service. General authority is delegated to Chief Executive Officers.
This Regulation does not apply to leave without pay.

Accumulation of (2) When considering application for vacation leave made by

leave to be
discouraged. an officer, the Chief Executive Officer shall be guided by the principle
that an officer should avail himself of vacation leave annually and that
accumulation of leave by an officer is to be discouraged.
Application for 46. (1) Officers wishing to apply for vacation leave shall do so at
leave and leave
roster. least one month before the date on which they intend to proceed on
such leave.
(2) It shall be the responsibility of Heads of Department to

ensure that a leave roster is prepared at the beginning of each calendar
year.
(3) Applications should, as far as possible, be in conformity

with the approved leave roster.
(4) Where an officer applies for vacation leave, but does not
give at least one month’s notice, such application shall be considered
only where it is in conformity with the roster, or where the Head of
Department is satisfied that the leave is required on the grounds of
urgent private affairs.
Deferment of 47. (1) The granting of vacation leave to an officer may be de-
leave.
ferred if it is in the interest of the Service to do so.
(2) Any leave granted under these Regulations may be de-

ferred if it is desirable that an officer returns to duty before the expira-
tion of leave granted. Further accumulation of leave shall, however,
be subject to the limits prescribed in these Regulations.
Mandatory leave. 48. (1) It is mandatory that officers take at least fifteen (15) days
vacation leave annually in the case of senior officers and ten (10) days
vacation leave in the case of junior officers.
(2) Mandatory leave for new entrants to the Service shall be

granted after one calendar year of service.
Compulsory 49. When an officer is about to reach his maximum leave entitle-
leave.
ment, the Head of Department shall request the officer to take leave.
50. An officer on leave seeking an extension of such leave shall, Extension of

leave.
in the absence of exceptional circumstances, apply in sufficient time to
allow a reply to be received before the expiration of the original period
of leave granted.
51. Heads of Department are expected to make every effort to Leave not to
entail extra staff.
arrange for performance of an officer’s duties while that officer is on
leave for fourteen (14) consecutive days without extra cost to Govern-
ment.
52. (1) Officers applying for leave on the grounds of urgent pri- Leave on urgent
private affairs.
vate affairs must satisfy the person authorized to grant such leave that
the leave is unavoidable. This may be done confidentially if neces-
sary.
(2) Such leave, if approved, shall be deducted from the

officer’s leave entitlement.
53. An officer who is retiring from the Public Service may be Payment in lieu of
paid salary in lieu of all vacation leave earned prior to the effective leave prior to
retirement.
date of his retirement.
54. An officer who resigns from the Public Service may be paid Payment in lieu of
salary in lieu of all vacation leave earned prior to the effective date of leave prior to
resignation.
resignation.
55. An officer who is dismissed from the Public Service or whose Payment in lieu of
leave prior to
services are terminated on disciplinary grounds may be paid salary in dismissal or
lieu of all vacation leave earned prior to the effective date of dismissal termination.
or termination.
56. Vacation leave shall be granted on full salary at the rate of:- Vacation leave
entitlement.
(a) 30 working days per year to any officer who holds a

post on Pay Scale 9 or above; and
(b) 20 working days per year to any officer who holds a

post below Pay Scale 9.
57.(1) In calculating leave under Regulation 56 above, any bro- Methods of

ken period of a month is taken into account, for example, where a calculating leave
days.
senior officer has served for 2 years 3 months 17 days he shall be

eligible to leave calculated as follows:-
2 years 3 months = 27 months at 30 days per year
1. 27 x 30 = 67.5
1 12
17 days at 30 days per year
2. 17 x 30 = 1.4
30 12 68.9
TOTAL LEAVE DAYS DUE = 69
(2) Where a junior officer has served for 2 years 3 months 17

days he shall be eligible to leave calculated as follows:-
2 years 3 months = 27 months at 20 days per year
1. 27 x 20 = 45
1 12
17 days at 20 days per year
2. 17 x 20 = .94
30 12 45.94
TOTAL LEAVE DAYS DUE = 46
Periods during 58. Officers shall not earn vacation leave while on:-
which leave is not
earned.
(a) study leave exceeding twelve weeks;
(b) sick leave exceeding sixteen calendar days;
(c) suspension from duty;
(d) secondment;
(e) leave without pay;

(f) vacation leave in excess of 30 working days;
(g) maternity leave.
59. Officers shall not be granted vacation leave until they have Minimum service
for vacation
served for six consecutive months from the date of first appointment, leave.
except on the grounds of urgent private affairs.
60. Officers who earn thirty working days vacation leave per year Maximum
accumulable
may accumulate up to a maximum of seventy days; officers who earn leave.
twenty days vacation leave per year may accumulate leave up to a
maximum of fifty days.
61. In the event of the death of an officer there shall be paid to his Payment of leave
eligibility on
legal representative or beneficiary, a sum equivalent to the salary that death of officer.
the officer would have received had he been granted all vacation leave
to his credit, at the date of death. Payment should be at the rates pre-
vailing at the date of death.
62. (1) A Head of Department may grant sick leave to officers in Sick leave
entitlement.
his Department, up to sixteen days with full pay in any one calendar
year.
(2) Sick leave for more than one day on any occasion shall
not be granted without a medical certificate.
(3) No more than six days paid sick leave without a medical
certificate shall be allowed in any one calendar year.
63. (1) An officer who has exhausted his sick leave entitlement Sick leave in
excess of
in any one year and requires further sick leave for a period of ten (10 ) entitlement to be
days or less shall be required to utilize vacation leave. treated as
vacation leave.
(2) If the officer has exhausted all vacation leave, the leave
shall be treated as leave without pay.
64. (1) Should the protracted illness of the officer necessitate his Extended sick
leave.
continuous absence beyond his normal sick leave eligibility, applica-
tion accompanied by the relevant medical evidence, shall be made to
the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service who may
grant extended sick leave up to a maximum of 180 days on full pay.
Sick leave on (2) If the illness of the officer exceeds 180 days, the question of
half pay.
his fitness for further service shall be taken up with the Director of Health
Services. On substantial evidence from a Medical Board that full recov-
ery and return to duty is probable, the officer may be granted extension of
sick leave up to a further 180 days on half pay.
Sick leave (3) Sick leave applied for under subregulation (1) above shall be
contingent on
prognosis.
granted only on receipt of a prognosis by the Director of Health Services,
of the officer’s eventual recovery and return to duty.
Retirement (4) If the illness of the officer exceeds 360 days, the officer shall
on medical
grounds.
be retired from the Public Service on medical grounds.
Sick leave for 65. Sick leave provided for in Regulation 62 may be used by officers
use in case of
illness of
in the case of illness of their spouse or children up to a maximum of five
spouse or (5) calendar days per year.
children.
Officers 66. Where an officer has been frequently absent on sick leave, a Head
frequently
absent on sick of Department may, at any time, request the Director of Health Services to
leave may advise on the nature of the officer’s illness or whether the officer should
appear before
a Medical appear before a Medical Board to consider his fitness to continue in Ser-
Board. vice.
Submission 67. An officer who is required to undergo a medical examination

to medical
examination.
shall submit himself to be examined by a Medical Board at such time and
place as directed.
Sick leave 68. If an officer falls ill while on vacation leave, and he produces
during
vacation
satisfactory medical evidence to his Head of Department, he shall be cred-
leave. ited with vacation leave equivalent to the number of days not utilized as
vacation leave due to illness.
Maternity 69. (1) All female public officers are entitled to the grant of mater-
leave.
nity leave.
(2) All applications for maternity leave shall be:
(a) submitted at least ten weeks prior to the officer’s

expected date of delivery; and
(b) accompanied by Social Security forms MB and SM2.

(3) An officer who fails to observe the requirement of this

Regulation and who applies for maternity leave after the date of deliv-
ery shall be subject to disciplinary action.
(4) An officer may take vacation leave which is due to her at

the expiration of her maternity leave.
(5) Maternity leave shall not be considered as sick leave and Sick leave not a
substitute for
sick leave shall not be granted as a substitute for maternity leave. maternity leave.
(6) Sick leave shall be granted to run consecutive to maternity

leave on the basis of a medical certificate.
70. A public officer is entitled to a total of twelve weeks mater- Maternity leave
entitlement.
nity leave which shall be on full pay. Maternity leave shall be granted
as follows:-
(a) six weeks before expected date of confinement on

full pay;
(b) six weeks after the expected date of confinement on

full pay;
(c) the six weeks before and the six weeks after the date
of confinement shall be mandatory.
71. An officer who has completed less than one hundred and fifty Maternity leave
without pay.
(150) days service and requires maternity leave shall be granted leave
without pay. Such leave shall not be considered as “service” for pen-
sion purposes.
72. Fathers may be granted paternity leave up to five (5) calendar Paternity leave.
days at the time of the birth of their child. The grant of this leave will
be based on the presentation of the certificate of birth.
73. In the event of the death of the mother before the expiration Post natal leave
on death of
of the post natal leave, the father of the child shall be entitled to take mother of child.
leave of a duration equal to the unexpired portion of the post natal
maternity leave.
Special leave. 74. (1) Special leave on full salary up to one month in any one
year, may be granted by the Head of Department for purposes as he
may deem to be in the public interest such as:-
(a) to enable officers who belong to the Belize Defence

Force to attend Annual Training;
(b) to enable officers who are selected by the proper

authorities to represent Belize in international
sporting and cultural events; and
(c) to enable officers selected by recognized Unions or

Associations to attend training courses or
conferences.
Special leave in (2) The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Ser-
other circum-
stances.
vice may grant special leave in other instances to enable officers to do
such things which are considered to be in the Public and National in-
terests.
Time off in (3) A Head of Department may grant time off to an employee
interest of the
Union.
appointed by the recognized Union to represent its interest.
Leave without 75. Authority for the grant of leave without pay is vested in the
pay.
Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service, and the fol-
lowing principles shall apply:-
(a) such leave shall be granted up to a maximum of

ninety days subject to renewal in special
circumstances; and
(b) such leave shall not be considered as “service” for

pension purposes.
Duty leave. 76. Chief Executive Officers may grant duty leave to officers who
have to be away on official duty.
Compassionate 77. A Head of Department shall grant compassionate leave to an

leave.
officer up to three days on the death of an immediate family member
(i.e. mother, father, spouse, children, brother or sister). Such leave
shall not be charged against an officer’s earned leave.
PART V
TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
78. The general direction of training policy for the Public Ser- Training policy
for the Public
vice, including the types and levels of training, is hereby vested in the Service.
Minister responsible for the Public Service.
79. (1) The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Ser- Authority for the
grant of study
vice, may grant study leave to an officer where the training is consid- leave.
ered to be of benefit to the Public Service.
(2) Only officers confirmed in their appointment shall be con-

sidered for study leave.
80. Officers who have served the Government for a period of Minimum period
of service for
less than two (2) years shall not normally be eligible for the grant of study leave.
study leave.
81. Study leave shall not be approved to an officer to pursue train- Non-approval of
study leave.
ing at a level equivalent to a qualification already possessed by the
officer.
82. (1) An officer may be granted study leave on full pay where Study leave on
full pay.
the course of training is:-
(a) approved by the Government;
(b) on a full time basis; and
(c) for a duration of not more than one year.
(2) Where the course is of a longer duration, maintenance

allowance in accordance with Regulation 103 shall be paid together
with the appropriate allowances.
83. (1) It is mandatory that all officers, who are granted study Training agree-
ment.
leave, sign a bond with the Ministry of the Public Service to serve on
completion of their training.
(2) No bond shall be required in the case of:-

(a) training for less than six calendar months duration;
(b) grant of study without pay.
Duration of (3) The duration of service required by the bond shall vary
service required depending on the duration of the course of training in accordance with
by bond.
the following table:
Duration of course Period
(a) less than six calendar months ................ nil
(b) six calendar months to less than

one year .................................................. one calendar
year
(c) one academic year to less than two

academic years ....................................... two calendar
years
(d) two academic years to less than three

academic years ....................................... three calendar
years
(e) three academic years to less than four

academic years ....................................... four calendar
years
(f) four academic years and over ................... length of study

computed in
calendar years.
Amount of bond. (4) The amount of an officer’s bond shall be the estimated
cost of his training, including the salary and allowances payable dur-
ing the period of training. The total amount of such expenditure shall
be the extent of an officer’s indebtedness, and the bond shall be se-
cured.
Officer to resume (5) If the training is terminated or suspended, or if the officer

duty on termina-
tion or suspension
abandons the training for any reason whatsoever, the officer shall im-
of training. mediately resume duty and shall serve the Government for a period for
which he enjoyed the benefit of the training.
(6) If the officer fails to complete the requisite amount of years Payment to
Government for
in the service of the Government, he shall pay to the Government the failure to com-plete
sum of money which is proportionate to the period of service for which requisite amount of
years in Govern-
he is in default. ment service.
84. An officer, after successful completion of an approved course Fulfillment of

of study, shall normally be required to fulfil the requirements of his bond prior to
further study
bond before study leave to pursue a further course of study can be leave.
approved.
85. Extension of study leave may be granted if it is considered Extension of

study leave.
that such a grant is in the interest of the Service. Any application for
extension of study leave must be accompanied by:-
(a) a letter of support from the officer’s Ministry; and
(b) evidence from the institution of learning of the need

and reason for the extension.
86. (a) The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Ser- Study leave
without pay.
vice, may grant leave without pay, for the purpose of training, to an
officer who, on his own initiative, gains entry to or is registered as a
student at an institution of learning and whose course of training is not
based primarily on the needs of the Public Service. Such approval is
subject to the exigencies of the Service.
(b) such leave shall not be considered as “service” for

pension purposes.
87. Where an officer wishes to undertake an approved course of Part-time study

leave up to two
study at an approved tertiary institution, that would require his ab- days per week.
sence from duty for two working days per week, the following shall
apply:-
(a) the officer shall forward his application to the Chief

Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service,
accompanied by a letter of support from his Head of
Department, and a letter of acceptance from the
institution of learning;
(b) study leave may be granted only in cases where:-

(i) the course of study would be of benefit to the

Public Service; and
(ii) evening or weekend classes are not available

for the particular course.
Study leave for 88. Where an officer wishes to undertake a course of study, at an
more than two
days per week. approved tertiary institution, that would require his absence from duty
for three or more days per week, the officer shall be required to utilize
full time study leave.
In-service 89. (1) The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Ser-
training
programmes. vice, shall notify each Ministry of all in-service training programmes
organized and managed by the Department of Management Services
to be conducted during the following year, and invite nominations of
officers for such training.
(2) The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Ser-

vice, may select officers for training in the horizontal grades (i.e., ac-
counting, secretarial, clerical and administrative grades).
Annual report 90. An annual report from the institution of learning shall be sub-
from institution of
learning. mitted on behalf of an officer on study leave to ensure that the officer
is making good use of the leave granted to him and is pursuing with
success the course of training for which leave has been approved.
Obligations while 91. (1) Officers to whom study leave has been approved shall be
on training.
required to:-
(a) devote their whole time to the course of training;
(b) sit for any examination and to write such papers or

reports as may be required by the training authorities;
and
(c) resume duty or take up employment in the Public

Service immediately after the completion of the
course of training, or at the expiry of any vacation
or other leave which may have been granted to them.
(2) Officers who complete their course of training prior to Failure to resume
the expected completion date and who fail to resume duty immedi- duty upon
completion of
ately, providing vacation or other leave has not been approved, will be studies subject to
subject to disciplinary action. disciplinary
action.
92. (1) Every officer shall, within a reasonable time after suc- Officers to
submit copies of
cessful completion of his course of study, submit a copy of his final final reports, etc.
report, dissertation, thesis, etc. to his Chief Executive Officer and an-
other to the Chief Archivist. The reasonable cost for said copies shall
be borne by the Government.
(2) Every officer who has been the recipient of formal train- Officers to
ing may be requested to disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired. disseminate
knowledge and
skills acquired.
93. The Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service, Suspension or
termination of
may suspend or terminate study leave if:- study leave.
(a) report of the officer’s work or conduct on the course

is unsatisfactory;
(b) the officer, without reasonable excuse, fails to pass

a prescribed examination within the time fixed by
the authorities of the institution which he may be
attending;
(c) the officer engages in any activity which is

detrimental to his progress in the course of study
prescribed to him;
(d) the officer becomes unfit to complete his studies

owing to illness;
(e) the officer fails to reply to correspondence or to keep

the Head of Department informed of his
whereabouts; and
(f) the officer is convicted on criminal charges, in or

outside Belize.
94. Offers of training awards from international or other organi- Training awards.
zations shall be dealt with on a service basis and not on an ad hoc or
individual basis.
Penalty for 95. An officer who prematurely terminates his course of training
termination.
without prior approval from the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of
the Public Service, shall be required to pay the Government a sum of
money equal to the commitments he received prior to the premature
termination, and any other amounts actually spent by the Government
in connection with his training.
Assistance for 96.(1) An officer shall be eligible for financial assistance up to a

correspondence
courses.
maximum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) from Government for a
correspondence course training; provided that approval is obtained
before the officer attempts such course of training. Approval shall be
granted where the training is of value to the Public Service and shall
be subject to the availability of funds.
Nature of (2) (i) The nature of the financial assistance shall be in re-
financial assis-
tance.
spect of tuition and cost of books and materials for the course. One
half of the cost, up to a maximum of one thousand five hundred dollars
($1,500) shall be paid to the officer after approval of his application.
(ii) If the officer successfully completes the course of train-

ing, he shall be reimbursed for the remaining costs of the course up to
a maximum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).
(iii) If the officer does not successfully complete the

course, he shall be required to refund the grant.
(4) An officer who receives financial assistance for a corre-

spondence course shall submit a report at the end of each year indicat-
ing his progress on the course. If the Chief Executive Officer, is not
satisfied that an officer is pursuing his course diligently, the officer
may be required to repay the Government the amount spent on his
training.
Training at local 97. Officers who attend an approved course of training at a local
institutions.
institution shall be eligible for a tuition grant, subject to the availability
of funds.
Non-refundable 98. A public officer, who on his own initiative applies for and is
expenses for self-
initiated training.
approved study leave to pursue a self-funded course of study, shall not
be considered post facto, for a refund or grant for any portion of the
expenditure incurred for the training.
99. Heads of Department are required to follow the guidelines Guidelines for
study leave.
shown in the First Schedule of these Regulations whenever they are First Schedule.
recommending officers for study leave.
100. (1) A scholarship holder shall be provided with half the cost Paid travel costs.
of travel, to the place of study, for the spouse and unmarried children
below the age of eighteen years, up to a maximum of four passages if
they accompany him abroad within a period of one year. Full cost of
travel shall be provided from the place of study to Belize.
(2) Such assistance will be given only in cases where the

family remains with the officer abroad for the full period of study.
(3) No such assistance shall be given if the scholarship-holder

shall be absent from the country for less than two (2) academic years.
(4) The passages, which shall be arranged by Government

shall be by air at economy rates. Reimbursement towards the cost of
overland fares to reach the port of embarkation and transportation of
baggage shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Regula-
tion 9.
101. An officer, on return from study leave, is entitled to the grant Grant of normal
increment on
of a normal increment for each successful year of study. return to duty.
102. An officer who is promoted immediately on his return from Grant of increments
on promotion
study leave shall receive salary in accordance with Regulations 101 immediately on
and 109. return from study
leave.
103. Maintenance allowance may be payable to officers who are Maintenance

allowance.
on an approved course of training and are not in receipt of their salary
during the period of their training. Officers shall receive a monthly
maintenance allowance at a rate of eighty percent of their salary.
104.(1) An officer who successfully completes an approved course Resettlement

grant.
of training abroad lasting not less than two academic years, and re-
sumes duty immediately after completion of training (or after approved
leave), shall be eligible for a resettlement grant at the prescribed rate.
(2) The grant shall not be awarded in cases where the officer
resumes duty after having been unsuccessful in his examinations.
PART VI
SALARIES, ALLOWANCES AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Salaries for 105. The salaries attached to public offices are and shall be as
public officers. specified in circulars and Regulations, which may from time to time be
issued or made for that purpose.
Officers to 106. (1) Where the salary of any post is scalar, subject to the
receive salary at
minimum
provisions of these Regulations, it shall be normal for an officer ap-
scale. pointed to a post to be paid initially the minimum salary of the scale
and for his salary to be increased by annual increments, subject to per-
formance, at the rate provided in the scale until he reaches the maxi-
mum salary.
(2) In special circumstances, appointments may be made at a

salary higher than the minimum salary of the scale of the recruiting
grade.
Incremental date. 107.(1) The incremental date shall be the first day of a month if
an officer’s date of appointment or promotion falls within the first to
the fifteenth day of the month. An officer whose date of appointment
or promotion is after the fifteenth day of the month shall have his in-
cremental date on the first day of the following month.
Increment for (2) Subject to any specific conditions of appointment, con-

continuous
temporary
tinuous temporary service for a year on the part of an officer who is
service. qualified for appointment in a post to which an annual scalar salary is
attached shall, subject to satisfactory performance, qualify such officer
for the grant of an increment to his salary.
Performance 108. The outcome of the performance appraisal of an officer shall

appraisal
determining
be the determining factor for the granting or withholding of an incre-
factor for ment to him.
increments.
Salary payable on 109. (1) An officer, on promotion, shall receive a salary the mini-
promotion. mum salary of the post to which he is being promoted; provided that
the difference between his salary and the minimum of the higher post
is not less than two increments on the higher scale.
(2) On promotion, an officer’s incremental date shall change

in accordance with Regulation 107(1) above.
110. The grant of increments for the various types of qualifica- Increments for
qualifications.
tions shall be as outlined in the Second Schedule to these Regulations. Second Schedule.
111. An officer whose service has been outstanding may be Merit awards.
granted a merit award by the Merit Awards Committee, in accordance
with the approved policy.
112. When an officer is promoted or transferred on appointment Retention of

services of an
to a post in another Department, arrangements shall be made whereby officer in former
he can assume his new duties on the date of his appointment. If, how- Department.
ever, exceptional circumstances necessitate his retention in his old
Department beyond his promotion date, he shall be regarded as hold-
ing his new office as from the date his appointment was approved.
113. If the salary of an officer’s post is revised, the officer shall Salary conversion
on revision of an
enter the new scale at a salary which corresponds to the salary he had officer’s post.
reached in the old scale, subject to the condition that where the salary
of the officer is not reflected on the new scale, he shall enter the new
scale at the next highest point to his existing salary. In this case the
officer’s incremental date shall remain unchanged.
114. (1) The payment of an acting allowance shall be approved if Acting allowance.
an officer is required to act for a period of more than fourteen (14)
consecutive days.
(2) The amount of acting allowance payable shall be the full

difference between the salary which the officer is receiving in his sub-
stantive post and the minimum salary of the post in which he is acting.
(3) Where the salary of the officer appointed to act is more

than the minimum of the post in which he is acting, an acting allow-
ance of not less than two increments on the higher scale shall be paid.
115. An officer recruited from abroad shall be entitled to a once- Relocation

allowance.
and-for-all relocation allowance of six hundred dollars ($600) for a
single officer and nine hundred dollars ($900) for an officer accompa-
nied by his family.
116. (1) An officer recruited from abroad shall be entitled to a Housing allow-
ance.
monthly Housing Allowance equivalent to thirty percent of his basic
salary for the life of his contract.
(2) A locally recruited officer, on transfer from his station,

shall be entitled to a monthly housing allowance equivalent to ten per-
cent of his basic salary for a period of six months only.
(3) An officer shall not be eligible for housing allowance at

the station in which he is recruited.
Subsistence and 117.(1) Subsistence allowance and meal allowance shall be pay-
meal allowances.
Third Schedule.
able in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and an of-
ficer wishing to claim such an allowance shall do so on the form pre-
scribed in the Third Schedule of these Regulations. Subsistence or
meal allowance shall be computed as follows:-
(a) where the period of absence exceeds five hours but

does not exceed nine hours, a meal allowance
equivalent of 2/3 of a full day’s subsistence shall be
paid:
Provided that where an officer’s absence does not

exceed five hours but covers the lunch period, a meal
allowance of 1/3 of a day’s subsistence shall be paid;
(b) where the period of absence exceeds nine hours, a

full day’s subsistence allowance shall be paid; and
(c) where an officer is required to perform duty in a

tourism-oriented town or village, a higher rate of
subsistence to be specified by the Financial
Secretary, shall be paid.
(2) Where an officer on duty is away from his station for more
than twenty-four hours, the payment of subsistence allowance or, as
the case may be, meal allowance, for the period of absence in excess
of twenty-four hours shall be calculated on a pro rata basis as set out
in subregulation (1) above.
Allowance for (3) Absence of more than thirty calendar days shall be gov-
absence of more
than 30 days. erned by Regulation 119.
Bush allowance. 118. Officers holding posts listed in the Fourth Schedule, when
Fourth Schedule. engaged in operations in the bush requiring them to camp away from
headquarters, shall receive an allowance at the rate approved by the

Ministry of Finance.
119.(1) An officer, who of necessity is required to be away from Commuted

subsistence
his station for more than thirty consecutive days, shall receive subsis- allowance.
tence allowance as provided for in Regulation 117 for the initial thirty-
day period. The officer shall, thereafter, become eligible for receipt of
a commuted subsistence allowance beyond the thirty-day period at the
rate approved by the Ministry of Finance.
(2) Whenever it is necessary for an officer to be away from

his station for more than thirty days, the question of payment of com-
muted subsistence allowance beyond the initial thirty-day period shall
be cleared by the Accounting Officer of the Department with the Fi-
nancial Secretary.
(3) The payment of a commuted subsistence allowance shall

only be considered on the grounds that:-
(a) approval of commuted subsistence allowance is

sought beforehand;
(b) payment of the allowance is to be made only in cases

of temporary assignments or postings;
(c) the period of such temporary assignment or posting

is stated in making the submission for the allowance;
(d) in any case the payment of the allowance will

normally be for not more than three months, subject
to extension in exceptional cases to six months; and
(e) the quantum of the commuted subsistence allowance

shall not be less than fifty percent of the monthly
rate.
120. Where a public officer on duty is required to sleep away Reimbursement

of lodging
from his station, he shall be entitled to receive from his Ministry, a expenses.
reimbursement of all hotel or lodging expenses occasioned thereby.
Such reimbursement shall be in accordance with circulars, which may
from time to time be issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Allowance in 121. Subsistence and other allowances which may be paid to of-
respect of
traveling on duty ficers, for travel on duty overseas, shall be approved by the Ministry of
abroad. Finance and shall be in accordance with circulars which may from
time to time be issued by the Ministry of Finance for that purpose.
Reimbursement 122. Officers attending overseas conferences or travelling on other

of traveling
expenses.
duty abroad may be reimbursed, on production of receipts, their rea-
sonable hotel expenses in respect of room and necessary travelling
expenses.
Warm clothing 123. (1) A warm clothing allowance at a prescribed rate shall be
allowance.
payable to an officer who is required to proceed to a temperate or frigid
country or region, for purposes of duty or study.
(2) A warm clothing allowance shall not normally be payable

to an officer who has already received it within a period of less than
two years after his return from a previous course of study or duty abroad.
Travel allowance. 124. A travel allowance not exceeding the prescribed rate may
be paid to an officer for necessary travel and in transit expenses in
connection with a required duty or study abroad. This allowance shall
be in addition to the allowances referred to in Regulations 121 and 122
above.
Mileage allow- 125. A public officer, who uses his private motor vehicle or mo-
ance.
torcycle on approved official travel outside his station, shall be entitled
to mileage allowance at the rates prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.
Motor vehicle 126. A maintenance allowance at the prescribed rates shall be

maintenance
allowance.
paid to officers who use their personal motor vehicles, motorcycles or
bicycles on a regular basis in discharging the duties of their offices.
Transfer grant. 127. Public officers shall be entitled to a transfer grant at the pre-
scribed rate, before assumption of duty at their new station, to assist
with costs incurred when relocating from one station to another, pro-
vided that the tour of duty is for not less than two (2) years.
Officers not 128. The following officers shall not be eligible for a transfer
eligible for
transfer grant.
grant:-
(a) officers who request and are approved transfers at

their convenience; and
(b) officers who request and are approved transfers on

appointment to other posts in other locations.
PART VII
ADVANCES
129.(1) An advance may be approved to an officer, on applica- Advances.
tion to the Financial Secretary, for the following purposes:-
(a) where the officer is proceeding on or returning from

vacation leave or is being transferred from one station
to another. The advance shall be limited to the
equivalent of one month’s salary and shall be repaid
in not more than four equal monthly instalments;
except in exceptional circumstances when the period
of repayment may be extended;
(b) for the purchase of household items;
(c) for the purchase of an approved means of

transportation considered appropriate to the duties
of the officer’s post; and
(d) for medical or maternity purposes.
(2) In all cases, the period of repayment shall be set by the

Financial Secretary.
130. All advances shall carry a nominal service charge, to be Nominal service
charge on
determined by the Ministry of Finance, recoverable at the time of issue advances.
of the advance.
131. Officers in receipt of an advance to purchase a motor ve- Requirements on

approval of motor
hicle shall be required to produce the following:- vehicle advance.
(a) a receipt to show that the money was used for the
purpose for which it was advanced; and
(b) a Bill of Sale on demand.
132. Advances may be granted for any purpose not elsewhere Other advances.
provided for, which the Financial Secretary considers to be in the pub-
lic interest. The terms of repayment shall be prescribed in each par-

ticular case.
Grounds for 133. Applications for advances may be refused where:-

refusal of
advance applica-
tion. (a) the amount of money required is greater than what
the officer can reasonably be expected to repay
within the prescribed time;
(b) a similar advance was last approved within the

prescribed repayment period in the case of motor
vehicles; and
(c) a previous advance has not been fully repaid; or
(d) an officer has previously failed to meet the conditions

of an advance.
Repayment of 134.(1) Repayment of all advances shall be made by monthly

advances.
deductions from the officer’s salary at source unless otherwise autho-
rized in writing by the Financial Secretary. The Head of Department,
in which an officer is serving at the time an advance is authorized, is
responsible for ensuring that a proper record of the advance is kept and
that repayments are being regularly deducted.
(2) In the event of the officer being transferred to another

department, particulars of the outstanding balance and rate of repay-
ment shall be sent to the Head of the receiving Department who there-
after shall assume responsibility for ensuring regular payment.
Vehicles not to 135. A vehicle, on which any part of an advance remains out-
be sold or
disposed of standing, may not be removed from Belize, sold or disposed or in any
without permis- way without the prior written consent of the Financial Secretary.
sion.
Advance not to 136. An advance for the purchase of a vehicle shall not be ap-
be granted within
three years of
proved within three years of the grant of a previous advance for a
previous advance. similar purpose, save in exceptional circumstances such as destruction
of the vehicle by accident. Such an advance shall be granted based on
the merits of each case.
137. An officer, prior to leaving the Service, shall be required to Repayment of

debt when
repay any outstanding sum due to the Government as follows:- officers leave the
Service.
(a) salary and/or payment in lieu of vacation leave due
to the officer shall be applied towards settlement of
the outstanding balance; and
(b) any remaining balance shall be recovered:-
(i) from benefits due;
(ii) through written agreement with the Accoun-

tant General; or
(iii) through legal action.
PART VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Residential Quarters
138. Public officers may occupy official residential quarters where Occupation of official
quarters is subject to
available. availability.
139.(1) Officers provided with official residential quarters shall Occupation of

official quarters.
be permitted to continue in occupation of such quarters during their
tenure in that station.
(2) Officers, prior to retirement or termination of appointment,

shall vacate official residential quarters within one month after the date
of retirement or termination.
140. When an officer is transferred or dies while officially occu- Transfer or death
of officer
pying residential quarters, the officer’s family may be permitted, by occupying official
the Head of Department, to continue occupying the quarters for a pe- quarters.
riod not exceeding three months from the date of such transfer or death.
141. Officers who occupy official residential quarters shall be Quarters to be

kept clean.
required to keep such quarters and the surrounding area in a clean, tidy
and sanitary condition at their own expense. Before vacating the quar-
ters, officers shall ensure that the quarters are in a clean and sanitary
condition.
No alterations by 142. Occupiers of official residential quarters shall neither make

occupiers of
quarters.
structural alterations nor install electrical fittings or lighting equipment
without the approval of the Head of Department. This Regulation
shall apply also to any addition, alteration or modification of any exist-
ing installation.
In the event of 143. When official residential quarters, furniture, electrical ap-
damage, officers
to make good
pliances, fixtures or the grounds have been damaged, and such dam-
such damage. age, in the opinion of the Head of Department, is due to carelessness
or negligence on the part of the occupier, an account of the charges for
making good such damages shall be rendered to the occupier by the
Head of Department concerned and the amount of such account shall
be paid by the occupier to Government.
Yearly reports on 144. The Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Works shall
buildings.
forward to the Financial Secretary yearly reports on the condition of
all Government buildings.
Certificate of 145. Any public officer, on leaving the Public Service, if he so

service. desires, may obtain a formal certificate of service from the Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer, Ministry of the Public Service.
Disaster Management
Disaster pre- 146.(1) Chief Executive Officers shall ensure that an adequate
paredness. emergency plan, including simulations and training, is developed, cir-
culated and undertaken throughout Ministries and Departments under
their control. The emergency plan should be in a standard format, as
determined by the National Emergency Management Organization
(NEMO). Such an emergency plan should cover the following threats
and hazards:-
(a) hurricanes;
(b) floods;
(c) bomb threats;
(d) earthquakes;
(e) fires; and
(f) civil disorders.
(2) The plan should include the following measures:-
(a) activating the emergency plan during and outside

of normal working hours;
(b) ensuring security of equipment, records and classified

documents prior to, during and following the
emergency event;
(c) ensuring continuity of Government activity prior to,

during and following the emergency event;
(d) ensuring continuity of communications with district

staff during and following the emergency event; and
(e) ensuring emergency attendance to injured

employees.
(3) As a precaution against hurricanes, Chief Executive Of-

ficers and Heads of Departments should ensure that all public build-
ings under their charge are:-
(a) made hurricane resistant; and
(b) secured on the announcement of hurricane warning.
147. (1) Heads of Departments shall ensure that all members of Disaster Coordi-
nator.
staff are conversant with the disaster plan, procedures for their Depart-
ments and their assigned responsibilities.
(2) An officer shall be designated as the Disaster Coordinator

for each Ministry. He shall not be below the level of Administrative
Officer III or equivalent.
(3) The Disaster Coordinator for the Ministry shall be respon-

sible, to the Chief Executive Officer for that Ministry, for developing
and implementing the disaster plan for the Ministry.
(4) Participation in Disaster Preparedness Management is man-

datory for all public officers. Failure to participate can lead to disci-
plinary action.
Stationery
Purchase of 148.(1) Stationery and supplies shall be purchased from the most
stationery.
economic sources. Every effort shall be made to minimize wastage in
Departments. Wherever possible, Departments shall reproduce forms,
etc., for use in such Departments. Forms, which are common to all
Departments shall be available on requisition from the Government
Printery.
(2) Requisition for printed forms and books must be submit-

ted to the Government Printer on memorandum or order forms.
Care of statio- 149. All stationery shall be carefully put away and its use, which
nery.
must be confined to the Public Service only, shall be closely super-
vised by the Head of Department. It shall be placed under the custody
of the Finance Officer who shall be responsible for its safekeeping and
distribution to ensure economy in usage.
Use of Telephone
Answering of 150. Public officers must be pleasant and courteous in answering

telephone calls.
the telephone and shall state their Ministry or Department so that the
caller knows at once to whom he is speaking.
Avoidance of 151. Any matter, which can properly be disposed of by telephone

correspondence.
or an interview should not be the subject of correspondence. How-
ever, the action taken and any decision reached should be recorded on
the appropriate file.
Use of telephone. 152.(1) Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Departments are
responsible for ensuring that due economy is exercised in the use of
the telephone and in particular that it is not used by officers for their
private affairs except in cases of real necessity.
(2) Where it is alleged that an officer has abused the use of the
telephone he shall be given an opportunity to exculpate himself. If the
Chief Executive Officer and Head of Department are not satisfied with
the explanation given, he may subject the officer to a surcharge.
153. Telephone calls from public officers to addresses abroad Prior permission
for overseas
shall have the prior approval of their Chief Executive Officers and communications.
Heads of Departments who should be absolutely satisfied that it would
not be possible to expeditiously deal with the matter by airmail letter,
e-mail or facsimile.
Correspondence Between Departments
154. All letters, minutes, reports and returns must be dated, num- Identification of
correspondence.
bered (where appropriate) and signed in full, with the official designa-
tion of the officer signing being added. Plans and other attachments
must be signed and dated and bear a numerical reference to the docu-
ments (if any) which they accompany.
155. Each communication should be confined as far as possible Single subject

communication.
to a single subject.
156. Memoranda between Departments shall clearly indicate the Correspondence

between Depart-
official designation of their origin, addresses, and subject matter. All ments.
formal and informal commencements and conclusions included in or-
dinary letters should be dispensed with.
Government Gazette and Other Documents
157. All Gazettes, Acts and other printed matter, which have been Officers to
acquaint them-
or may be issued from time to time to Heads of Departments, shall be selves with
carefully bound. Officers are expected to make themselves acquainted Gazettes, Acts,
etc.
with notices published in the Gazette and Acts, etc., affecting their
duties. The fact that special notification or instructions have not been
received from the Ministries shall not be accepted as an excuse for
inattention to notices in the Gazette. Publication of any matter in the
Gazette shall be sufficient notice to every Department of the facts pub-
lished therein.
158.(1) Gazette matters of a legal or semi-legal nature shall be Vetting of legal

matters by the
submitted to the Attorney General’s Ministry for vetting before being Attorney
forwarded for publication. General’s
Ministry.
(2) Notices and other matters for publication in the Gazette

shall be delivered to the Government Printer no later than 4:00 p.m. on
Wednesday. Any material forwarded after that time shall be held over
for publication in the following week’s issue of the Gazette, except in
urgent or special cases, the publication of which will be left to the
discretion of the Government Printer.
Other Matters
Funeral grant 159.(1) When an officer dies in the Service, the beneficiary of
payable on death
of officer.
the officer shall receive a funeral grant of one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
(2) The grant shall be payable from the Ministry in which the
officer was serving at the time of his death.
Official seals or 160. Official seals and stamps shall be kept secured and not be
stamps.
supplied to private persons.
Franking stamp. 161. Public officers shall not make use of any stamp for franking
letters, or frank letters without the authority of the Head of Depart-
ment, and are required to keep such devices under lock and key, ex-
cept when in actual use.
Circulars. 162. Circulars should be initialled by the officers of the Depart-

ment in which they are received and should be kept bound together in
a “Circular Book” which should be indexed. Chief Executive Offic-
ers and Heads of Departments shall communicate instructions conveyed
by circulars to all members of their staff.
Copyright and 163. Any works produced by public officers as part of the duties
royalties.
for which they are engaged shall result in the copyright in respect of
such works being vested in the Government. Any such work required
for the use of the Public Service shall produce no financial benefits to
the author, but the author may be allowed the royalties that might arise
from sale of any such work outside of the Public Service or outside
Belize.
Safety equipment 164.(1) Public Officers required to work under hazardous cir-
and clothing.
cumstances shall be provided with appropriate safety equipment and
clothing which shall be the property of the Government.
(2) Officers provided with such equipment and clothing shall

be required to wear and use such equipment and clothing whilst dis-
charging their duties.
165. Field workers and office assistants shall be provided with Inclement
weather gear.
inclement weather gear, which shall be the property of the Govern-
ment.
166. Where damage or loss occurs to Government property pur- Surcharge in case
chased under Regulations 164 and 165, and where such damage or of damage or
loss.
loss is proved to be the result of an officer’s negligence, such officer
shall be subject to a surcharge.
167.(1) The Public Service Regulations 1996 are hereby repealed. Repeals and
commencement.
S.I. 153 of 1996.
(2) These Regulations shall come into force on the 15th day
of November, 2001.
MADE by the Governor-General this 15th day of November,

2001.
____________________________
(COLVILLE N. YOUNG)
Governor-General
FIRST SCHEDULE
[Regulation 99]
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR TRAINING IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
1. Relevance To Needs
(i) The training being requested must be relevant to the Department’s development
needs and the officer’s career intentions.
(ii) Proposed training programmes should be designed to improve the technical,

analytical, managerial and decision-making skills of individuals displaying
potential for development.
2. Academic Eligibility
(i) Nominees for a proposed training programme must possess the requisite
academic qualifications that will enable acceptance into tertiary level
instructions.
(ii) Mature officers who may not possess the requisite academic qualifications
must obtain acceptance into the institutions.
3. Overall Performance
Nominees should have above average performance records, display positive job attitudes
and proficiency in the use of language.
4. Age
Officers being nominated for training should normally not be more than forty years old
by the end of the proposed training programme and be physically and mentally capable
of undertaking the course of studies.
SECOND SCHEDULE
[Regulation 110]
INCREMENT FOR QUALIFICATIONS
1. Certificate Courses
A public officer who has pursued an approved course of studies, the minimum of
which is one academic year, and at the end of which a certificate is awarded will be
eligible for the award of one additional increment.
2. Diploma Courses
A public officer who has pursued an approved course of studies, the minimum of
which is two academic years, and at the end of which a diploma is awarded, will be
eligible for the award of two additional increments.
3. Bachelors Degree
(i) A public officer who has pursued an approved course of studies at the end of
which a first degree is awarded will be eligible for the award of three additional
increments. This applies to those persons who acquire additional qualification
but remain in their substantive post. Where the superior qualification is required
for promotion, the officer will be elevated to the higher scale and the matter of
placement on the scale will be dealt with in accordance with Regulation 109
(1).
(ii) The above does not, however, apply to persons who graduate with a diploma,
degree or certificate, which they intend to use in order to gain admission to
another course of studies in the same or a related field of study.
4. Masters Degree
(i) A public officer who was approved study leave to pursue a Masters Degree
will be eligible for the award of two additional increments on successful
completion.
(ii) A public officer who was approved study leave to pursue a First Degree but
who returns with a Masters Degree will be eligible for the award of four
additional increments.
5. Doctorate Degree
(i) A public officer who holds a Masters Degree and on approved study acquires
a Ph.D., will be eligible for the award of three additional increments.
(ii) A public officer who was approved study leave to pursue a course of studies
leading to a Masters Degree and who returns with a Ph.D., will be eligible for
the award of four additional increments.
6. Effective Date of Award of Increments
All increments will be awarded with effect from the date of expiration of study
leave and with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of the Public
Service.
7. Qualification Not Eligible for Award of Increments
(i) Where an officer successfully completes a course of training for which a degree,
diploma or certificate was awarded and for which the officer received additional
increments(s) and subsequently successfully completes an equivalent or lower
level course, the officer shall not be entitled to additional increment(s) for
such equivalent or lower qualification.
(ii) Where an officer obtains the required qualification for his current post after
the fact, no additional increment(s) shall be awarded.
THIRD SCHEDULE
CLAIM FOR SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE, MEAL ALLOWANCE AND

MILEAGE ALLOWANCE
An officer wishing to claim a subsistence allowance, meal allowance or mileage allowance

shall do so in the form prescribed below or as nearly thereto as possible:
NAME: ______________________ MILES TRAVELLED: ________________
OFFICE: ____________________ TIME SPENT AWAY FROM

STATION: _________________________
STATION:_____________________ MEANS OF CONVEYANCE USED
DATE & TIME OF LEAVING (VEHICLE NO.): ____________________
STATION:____________________ NATURE OF OFFICIAL DUTIES
PLACES VISITED (EN ROUTE) PERFORMED: ______________________
IF ANY:_______________________
______________________________
FINAL DESTINATION: __________ NUMBER OF HOURS/DAYS

DATE & TIME CLAIMED: __________________________
RETURN TO STATION: ___________ RATE OF SUBSISTENCE/
MILEAGE/MEAL ALLOWANCE: _______
INCIDENTAL EXPENSES, IF ANY: ______________________________________
TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED: __________________________________________

(SHOW MILEAGE, SUBSISTENCE AND MEAL ALLOWANCE AND OTHER
EXPENSES SEPARATELY)
DATE: _____________________
SIGNATURE AND DESIGNATION OF CLAIMANT: ________________________
APPROVED BY: _______________________________________________________

(SIGNATURE) (DESIGNATION)
FOURTH SCHEDULE
BUSH ALLOWANCE
List of posts for which special bush allowance is payable.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Archaeological Commissioner
Deputy Archaeological Commissioner
Archaeologist
Archaeological Assistant
FORESTRY
Principal Forest Officer

Forest Officers
Forest Rangers
Forest Guards
LANDS AND SURVEYS
Principal Surveyor
Senior Surveyor
Surveyor
Principal Lands Officer
Lands Officer
Assistant Lands Officer
Lands Inspector
GEOLOGY
Geologist
Micropaleontologist
Geological Draughtsman
Mineral Surveyor
Geoscientist
EXPLANATORY NOTES
THESE NOTES DO NOT FORM PART OF THESE REGULATIONS AND

ARE ONLY INTENDED TO EXPLAIN THE IMPORT OF THE
REGULATIONS
1. All public officers are required to familiarize themselves with these Regulations
and any amendments or additions thereto which may from time to time be issued. It
is the duty of the Head of Department to ensure that a sufficient number of copies is
always on hand to meet the needs of his own Department.
2. All new entrants to the Public Service will be provided with a copy of the Public
Service Regulations. Those copies issued to public officers for use in their official
duties are not to be regarded as the property of any individual officer. Heads of
Departments should therefore ensure that the officer who is in possession of any
official copy of these Regulations surrenders it in the event of his transfer to another
Department or his retirement or resignation from the Service. Copies of these Regu-
lations are available for sale from the Government Printery.
3. Public officers are required to make themselves acquainted with all Government
notifications and regulations, whether published in the Government Gazette or con-
veyed by circular or any other means of communication, and Heads of Departments
shall be held responsible for seeing that this is done.
4. Subject to the provisions of Section 106 (3) of the Constitution, the Governor Gen-
eral, acting in accordance with the advice of the Minister or Ministers responsible
for the Public Service, given after consultation with the recognized representatives
of the employees or with other persons or groups within the Public Service as may
be considered appropriate, may make regulations on any matter relating to:-
(a) the formulation of schemes for recruitment to the Public Service;
(b) the determination of a code of conduct for public officers;
(c) the fixing of salaries and privileges;
(d) the principles governing the promotion and transfer of public officers;
(e) measures to ensure discipline, and to govern the dismissal and retirement of
public officers, including the procedures to be followed;
(f) the procedure for delegation of authority by and to public officers; and
(g) generally for the management and control of the Public Service.
Printed in Belize by the Governor General

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B E L I Z E

MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

As Minister with responsibility for the Public Service, I am pleased

MARIAN McNAB (MS)

PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS, 2001

5. Authority for appointments.

19. Conduct of officers generally.

44. Public officers entitled to leave as of right.

78. Training policy for the Public Service.

105. Salaries for public officers.

138. Occupation of official quarters is subject to availability.

146. Disaster preparedness.

148. Purchase of stationery.

150. Answering of telephone calls.

Correspondence between Departments

154. Identification of correspondence.

Government Gazette and other Documents

157. Officers to acquaint themselves with Gazettes, Acts, etc.

159. Funeral grant payable on death of officer.

NO. 160 OF 2001

REGULATIONS made by the Governor-General, acting in accor-

(Gazetted17th November, 2001.)

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Short title.

PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS, 2001.

2. (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: Interpretation.

“Commission” means the:-

(a) Judicial and Legal Services Commission established under CAP. 4

(b) Security Services Commission established under section CAP. 4

(c) Public Services Commission, in respect of public officers

CAP. 4. “Constitution” means the Belize Constitution;

“Gazette” means the Belize Government Gazette and includes any

(a) means a public officer in charge of the day to day

(b) includes the Accounting Officer of the Ministry;

“Government” means the Government of Belize;

“Chief Executive Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer to the

“public office” means any office of emolument in the Public Service;

“public officer” means a person holding or acting in any public office

“public service” means, subject to the provisions of these Regulations,

(2) For the purposes of these Regulations a:-

(a) reference to an office in the Public Service shall be

(b) reference to an office in the Public Service shall not

or staff of the National Assembly, or the Ombudsman

(c) person shall not be regarded as holding a public office

(3) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, a

(a) a Department, includes a reference to a Ministry;

(b) the masculine gender, includes a reference to the

(c) any power exercisable by a Commission shall refer

(2) These Regulations shall not apply to:-

(a) an office of a Justice of Appeal;

(b) an officer to whom section 110B of the Constitution CAP. 4.

(f) an office of a Justice of the Supreme Court; and

(g) any other category or class of officers where special

Regulations apply (4) Where a person is temporarily appointed to hold a post on

Authority for 5. Permanent appointments in the Public Service shall be made

CAP. 4 (a) Security Services Commission in respect of public

CAP. 4 (b) Judicial and Legal Services Commission in respect

CAP. 4 (c) Public Services Commission in respect of public

Qualifications for 6. The educational or professional qualifications and other re-

8. Whenever an officer is on leave of absence pending relin- Appointment on