BERNADETTE INES PAQUIUL

Bernadette Ines Noralez Paquiul- an effective and qualified educator/public officer that served as primary school teacher, high school teacher, university adjunct lecturer and an officer in the Ministry of Education during her 35 years of dedicated service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education (Hons.) and a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory, Planning and Practice. She served as senior Education Officer and Interim Director at the Curriculum and Assessment Unit in the Ministry of Education. Some of her major tasks included the development, pilot and implementation of curricula at the elementary and secondary levels; designed training for Continuous Professional Development annually and facilitated on-going principal/teacher training sessions, which focused on planning, teaching, and classroom management techniques. Mrs. Paquiul also led and collaborated with stakeholders on many educational projects and programs. She was instrumental in the transition to competency-based education.
Memorable experiences in the Public Service
There are many tasks that I undertook as a public officer, of these here are some of the most memorable.
• I am grateful to have served as the Focal Point and Task Leader on the Belize Road Safety Project 1 & 2 from the Ministry of Education. In this capacity, Road Safety Education has been included in the National Curriculum.

• With gratitude, I served on the Early Childhood Technical Working Group with members from UNICEF and key line ministries: Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs and Ministry of Economic Transformation. Early Childhood is the formative years in a child’s life, and it requires significant investment to ensure major development in the future.

• Natural disasters are part of our lives and public officers serve during these times. Chief among these are hurricanes, I have served as shelter manager, which is a task that evoke many emotions. This task calls for empathy and genuine care to support the neediest in times of natural disasters. As uncomfortable as the shelters may be, all public officers should serve our people during these times. I served with compassion and empathy.

• Then come Elections (General and Municipal), I appreciate our democracy and have served willingly and in various capacities to support my team in the execution of election duties.
The activities in the last two bullets have taught me acceptance, tolerance, and most of all emotional intelligence to remain calm when tested by challenging situations.

Serving the public is an honor that each public officer should embrace with dignity. As I exit this service after 35 years, I reflect on the qualities that have ensured my utmost performance in the daily execution of my duties. To officers serving, always be optimistic and willing to surmount challenges with courage and determination. At all times seek counsel when uncertain, there are officers who are willing to assist and guide you within your office or in another ministry. Furthermore, be willing to take risks and explore alternatives, push yourselves beyond the “safe zones”; there is no growth within the “safe zones”. Keep learning!
Moreover, read daily, elevate yourselves, build your capacity, join a learning community because synergy is unbeatable strength. A competent officer is bold and always willing to contribute positively to the improvement of the public service. Remember that challenges are inevitable but with positive attitude and a growth mindset, you will always attain the objectives of your office and serve with pride and determination. Keep improving the public service! It is our moral obligation to our people.
Most important, serve and trust God!