Carol Elaine Smith

Born and raised in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, she is the second of six children born to David Smith, a laborer, and Joyce Gordon, a housewife. She is also the proud mother of one son, DeVaughan Watters. From an early age, her parents instilled in their children a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for education. Mandatory household chores and a small, close-knit circle of friends kept them grounded. Her mother’s directive was clear: go to school, educate yourself, become self-sufficient, and never rely on handouts.

Her childhood summers were filled with meaningful experiences, including spending holidays on the family farm, attending Vacation Bible School, and participating in summer camps. She also took on summer jobs, developing practical life skills and a strong work ethic that laid the foundation for her future career.

She attended St. Andrew’s Primary School in San Ignacio, an institution renowned for academic excellence. Driven to succeed, she maintained a friendly academic rivalry with a close friend, trading top honours term after term. She then progressed to Sacred Heart College, a prestigious institution known for its strict, church-based values and rigorous discipline. Sacred Heart thoroughly prepared its students for the professional world, and after graduating, she felt equipped to excel in any office setting. She continues to credit the Office Procedures course with teaching her fundamental skills that have served her throughout her career, especially during an era when pursuing higher education meant moving to Belize City, a path often viewed as taboo for young adults from the out-districts.

At seventeen, while working part-time at Social Security, she applied for a position with the Government of Belize. On October 17, 1990, she was called in by the Establishment Department for an interview with Mr. Palacio. At the conclusion of the meeting, he asked, “Are you prepared to start now?” She answered with a resounding yes. That very day, she reported to the Police Training School as a Secretary III—so thrilled by the opportunity that she forgot to formally resign from her previous job.

Her nine years at the Police Training School established the core values of her career: workplace discipline, dedication to public service, and unwavering effort. The senior police officers and kitchen staff took her under their wings, fostering in her a deep appreciation for the public sector. During this time, she was granted the opportunity to attend St. John’s College in Belize City, where she earned her Associate Degree in Business. She remains forever grateful to her supervisor at the time, Mrs. Maureen Leslie, who allowed her the time off to attend classes, while she willingly worked weekends without extra compensation to cover her duties.

Recognizing the limited mobility within the secretarial field, she requested and received a transfer into the Clerical grade, subsequently advancing from Second Class Clerk to First Class Clerk. Between 2003 and 2011, she served at the Sub-Treasury, Police Station, and San Ignacio Hospital, carrying out administrative and accounting duties. She was consistently drawn to administration because it allowed her to directly support and interact with her colleagues.

Seeking further career growth, she applied for and received two and a half years of paid study leave to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Belize. Upon graduating, she was transferred to the General Sales Tax Department, where she served first as a Tax Assistant and later as an Auditor. Working under the leadership of Director Mrs. Betty Ann Jones, she found the department to be exceptionally structured, dynamic, and performance-driven. Mediocrity was not tolerated, and the experience further strengthened her professional discipline and commitment to excellence.

Eventually, the demands of audit work in Belize City became draining, and she sought to return to her passion for administration. Navigating the civil service bureaucracy was challenging, but her perseverance paid off when she was invited to interview for and ultimately appointed to the role of Administrative Officer.

In her capacity as an Administrative Officer, she has served the Police Department, the Ministry of Health, and currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs. This role has allowed her to serve as a leader and mentor. While she remains firm in upholding the integrity and regulations of her post, she balances firmness with empathy and maintains an open-door policy.

Over thirty-five years of public service, she has given her absolute best to the people of Belize, and she would not change a single step of her journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her son, DeVaughan Watters; her parents, David Smith and Joyce Gordon; her sisters, Karen, Carla, Adela, and Windy; her brother, David Smith Jr.; and her family and friends who have supported her throughout her thirty-five years of service to the Government and people of Belize.

Her message to fellow Public Officers is one of humility, empathy, and commitment:
“To my fellow Public Officers: Let us serve with unwavering humility and genuine empathy. Give 100% every single day, and always remember that while our titles are temporary, our impact is lasting. God bless!”