By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) has formally objected to the appointment of Troy Gabb as Acting Chairperson of the Public Services Commission (PSC), saying his record as a political commentator and his past public positions raise concerns about confidence in the body responsible for appointments, promotions and discipline in the public service.
In a statement issued today, October 1, the PSU said Gabb, a weekly commentator on Love FM, has “repeatedly shown hostility toward trade unions,” opposed PSU positions on public policy and sharply criticized public officers. The Union further described him as widely perceived to be politically partisan. Those characterizations are the PSU’s stated position.
The Belize Gazette of July 23 confirms that Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam appointed Gabb to act as Chairperson of the PSC effective July 20, 2026, while substantive Chairperson Diana Price-Murillo is on leave.
But Gabb is no stranger to controversy involving public institutions.
He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) during a period that later became the subject of extensive Senate scrutiny and a Commission of Inquiry over questionable loans, securitization arrangements and other transactions at the state-owned lending institution.
During Senate hearings in 2004, Gabb was questioned about DFC’s large portfolio of non-performing loans. He acknowledged at the time that roughly 35% of DFC’s loan portfolio was non-performing, while senators questioned the institution’s due diligence surrounding major borrowers, including the Novelo’s Group.
Gabb was again called before the DFC Commission of Inquiry in 2007, where he faced questions concerning a number of major transactions, including the Novelo loans, DFC’s involvement in the Mahogany Heights deal, transactions involving companies associated with former DFC chairman Glenn Godfrey and a multimillion-dollar transaction involving the Belize Bank and Government.
One of the more personally controversial issues raised during those hearings concerned a San Pedro property Gabb acquired from DFC for $15,000. Contemporary reporting on the inquiry said commissioners placed its value at approximately $68,000, meaning the purchase price was roughly $53,000 below that valuation. Gabb was questioned about the transaction during his testimony.
The inquiry also heard testimony that, during Gabb’s tenure, certain DFC administration or legal fees were waived or varied in selected cases, with commissioners questioning what authority existed for the CEO to exercise that discretion.
Gabb defended his stewardship of the DFC and challenged aspects of the inquiry and forensic audit, arguing that adverse findings had been prepared without first allowing him an opportunity to respond and questioning the legality of the forensic auditor’s appointment.
Justice Herbert Lord’s subsequent report concluded more broadly that wrongdoing had occurred in the operations of the DFC during the period investigated. That finding concerned the institution and transactions examined by the Commission and should not, by itself, be read as a finding that Gabb personally committed a criminal offence.
Against that history, the PSU says it also opposes Gabb being reappointed as a member of the PSC when his current term expires in November 2026.
“Building a strong Public Service begins with confidence and trust in the Commission,” the Union said.
The PSU has written to Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher outlining its concerns and has called for future PSC appointments to be persons with public-service knowledge, integrity and standing who command the respect of both public officers and the wider public.
The Union also extended best wishes to Price-Murillo and said it hopes for a speedy resolution of the circumstances surrounding her leave and her return to office.
The post PSU objects to Troy Gabb as Acting PSC Chair, cites political commentary; appointment revives controversial DFC-era history appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) has formally objected to the appointment of Troy Gabb as Acting Chairperson of the Public Services Commission (PSC), saying his record as a political commentator and his past public positions raise concerns about confidence in the body responsible for appointments, promotions and discipline
The post PSU objects to Troy Gabb as Acting PSC Chair, cites political commentary; appointment revives controversial DFC-era history appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.