Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 6:14 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Can a department meant to uplift young people operate effectively when nearly 94% of its budget goes to salaries? That’s the question being asked as the Ministry of Youth and Sports begins a review of the Department of Youth Services (DYS).
Minister of State Devin Daly confirmed during an appearance on Open Your Eyes that of the $7.5 million annual budget, only $500,000 is left over for programming, utilities, and facility upkeep after salaries are paid. “That’s the money we use to really bring programmatic work and also to upkeep our facilities, utilities and all those stuff,” Daly said.
The department employs around 120 people, but vacant roles and internal transfers have caused operational strain. Daly said the issue has led to staff displacement, where remaining team members are left to manage added responsibilities.
“We’re not just looking at numbers. We’re asking: Is this working? Are we actually reaching the youth? Is there proof?” said Daly, referencing ongoing discussions with DYS directors and Minister Anthony Mahler.
The current assessment is data-focused and meant to guide future reforms—without unnecessary job losses, Daly said. “Changes will come, but we are not here to displace anybody who is here doing their work.”
However, the revelation has raised questions among stakeholders about whether DYS is overstaffed and underperforming, with too little being allocated to actual programs for youth development.
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The post “Is it working?”: $7M in salaries, just $500K for youth programs, says Minister Daly appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Can a department meant to uplift young people operate effectively when nearly 94% of its budget goes to salaries? That’s the question being asked as the Ministry of Youth and Sports begins a review of the Department of Youth Services (DYS).
The post “Is it working?”: $7M in salaries, just $500K for youth programs, says Minister Daly appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
