Lisa Marie Gabb Clare

Lisa Gabb Clare grew up in a family where love for God is important. Her belief in God and His promises for future has helped shape the person she is today.
There are two family members that she can remember who were remarkable in their professional accomplishments: David Buddan, her maternal uncle, who was a radio personality hosting shows in both Belize and Los Angeles, and George Gabb, granduncle, who was a sculptor. Both were very enthusiastic about their work and were recognized in their communities. She can indeed say that her career as a public officer has been just as fulfilling.

Lisa began my career as a clerical assistant in 1988, doing income verifications for the tax refund process, and have completed tenure as a Deputy Director. Throughout her service she learnt that every role and position in the Public Sector is crucial in accomplishing our objective of serving the public.

The most challenging part of her service was working through a period where two of the Tax Departments were integrated to form the Belize Tax Service. Having the privilege of working on the project team to assist in the Modernization of Tax Administration of Belize. Collaborating was a team under the direction of Project Manager, Mrs. Michelle Longsworth who helped to develop skills that assisted her in carrying out responsibilities as Deputy Director.

Her portfolio as Deputy Director included the responsibility of International Cooperation and Policy and Programs. Policy and Programs is a headquarters function that was implemented in the Tax Administration. Under the previous tax department, the Income Tax Department, there were initiatives such as a Strategic Management Unit. However, the structure at that time was not conducive to accomplishing the requirements of the headquarters function. The knowledge she garnered working in the Income Tax Department, along with the opportunity to visit Tax Administration Jamaica to personally see how the headquarters function, were factors that assisted in overseeing the Policy and Programs Unit.

Belize has received a draft report for the Data Safeguard and Confidentiality Assessment with only soft recommendations for improvement. The work to address the deficiencies in Information Security Framework was done by a small team at the Belize Tax Service, which Lisa Cabb had the privilege to lead. It was a very emotional experience for her when these international assessors gave a good review, but I know it would not have been possible without the work of the team and staff who saw the importance of what is done at the Tax Department and chose to follow the required policies.

When she started, she mentioned David Buddan and George Gabb. While they received several recognitions, the work of a public officer often goes unnoticed. However, she can honestly say that the “thank you’ s” she received from the public and the persons she have worked with have touched her deeply.

Throughout her career, she engaged with several persons who have helped her build herself professionally, both in Income Tax and now at the Belize Tax Service. She is profoundly grateful to all of them. The team that has been directly reporting to her service as Deputy Director has been amazing. Their support and commitment have made time truly rewarding. They have shown her there is no limit to what can accomplish when working as a team.

Lisa Gabb’s immediate family, her sons and husband has been her rock and support and kept her focused. They have made many sacrifices for which she has been appreciative.

Lisa Gabb want to express her deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Public Service for recognizing public officer’s efforts. She encourage her fellow public officers to follow God’s example in how they live with and treat others. Professionally, she cannot underscore enough how important it is that in whatever capacity we serve, we do it to the best of our ability and always strive to be a better version of ourselves. Lastly, she want to emphasize that service should be more important than the title being held. Do not take constructive criticism negatively but rather choose to associate with persons who will help you to build you professionally.