"Staff of Department of the Environment"

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of the Environment, within the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNR&E) is responsible for fostering the prudent use of proper management of the natural resources of Belize, the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment and the control of pollution, thus guaranteeing a better quality of life for present and future generations. 

The Department of the Environment has been contributing to sustainable development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The department has further strengthened its capacity to effectively perform its duties by successfully developing a small cadre of well-trained professionals to provide government with the best and timely advice on the wise use of Belize’s natural resources. These functional staffs are now well versed with Legislations on EIA, Effluent, Pollution and Human Health. In addition, close studies are being done on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to possibly model future policies and legislations for further protection of the environment from harmful toxic substances and emissions.

The Department of the Environment’s vision is being realized through strategy implementation of building an information infrastructure and an enabling environment to develop human resources and to modernize the delivery of services.

"Mr. Martin Alegria, Acting Chief Environmental Officer receiving Award of Excellence"

PUBLIC OFFICER OF THE YEAR - 2008

"Nurse Rosalva Blanco"

Public Services rely on teamwork, but in some cases it’s individual effort that stands out. The Public Officer of the Year Award aims to recognize and reward continuous and outstanding performance and accomplishment. This award recognizes excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of a public officer to the people of Belize.

Mrs. Rosalva Blanco entered the Public Service in October of 1986. By October of 2002 she passed her Midwifery Examination. Mrs. Blanco was later promoted to the post of Ward Sister in August 2004. As a Ward Sister, she held over as Matron III on several occasions while the incumbents were on vacation leave or sick leave. She was later promoted to the post of Infection Control Sister effective June 1st of 2006. As Infection Control Sister she received training in Japan in the area of “Specialist of Infection Control and Preventative Care”, in San Jose Costa Rica in “Clean Care is Safer Care”, and in San Salvador in “Intensive Infection Control for Specialist”.

Mrs. Blanco is responsible for development of policies for Infection Control in accordance with World Health Standards and in partial fulfillment of hospital accreditation. In addition, she coordinates and facilitates training for staff in infection control, occupational exposure and she has assisted with the development of procedural manuals for each unit within the hospital. These manuals serve as a guide in reducing infections in patients.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” taken from Proverbs 1:7 is the motto of Sister Blanco, as she is known to her colleagues. Her performance over the years has been outstanding. This dedicated officer’s hard work and willingness to assist and to find ways to improvise when there are scarce resources has earned her the prestigious honor of Public Officer of the Year award 2008.

"Mrs. Rosalva Blanco"