LORRAINE ELSIEMAE WADE SMITH

Mrs. Lorraine Wade Smith was inspired to serve in the Public Service by her late father, Mr. Lindsay Wade Sr., former Superintendent of the Belize Police Force. So, after graduating from High School, Lorraine joined the Public Service on November 9th, 1987, as a Library Assistant. Later, realizing she had a passion for figures, she decided to do a three-year night course in accounting at St. John’s College. Successfully completing the course, she requested a transfer into the clerical field and was transferred to Gwen Lizarraga High School as a Second-Class Clerk/ bursar. She continued working in the clerical/administrative field and advanced herself to the post of Finance Officer before retiring at the mandatory age of 55 on December 27th, 2022. Serving as Finance Officer, she was always cognizant of the fact that she held a serious responsibility of managing the people of Belize purse. Therefore, she strictly managed the public funds, under her care, in accordance with financial regulations. Her strict to the book management style had garnered much respect, however, in few instances she was despised for standing firm and refusing to comply when requests were made to expend funds that were not in accordance with approved budget and regulations. Mrs. Smith will be remembered by her colleagues for being hardworking, reserved and cordial. She was always willing to share her knowledge and to encourage others to do their very best.

Educational Achievement: Diploma in Public Sector Administration (Distinction) – University of the West Indies Open Campus; Accounting Certificate, St. John’s College, High School Diploma (Credit), St. Hilda’s/Anglican Cathedral College, CXC passes in English, Math, History, Literature and GCE Biology.

Public Service Work History:

➢ Library Assistant – 1987 – 1990, National Library Service

➢ Second Class Clerk –1990 – 1993, Gwen Lizarraga High School 1993 – 1996, Accountant General’s Department

➢ First Class Clerk – 1996 – 2002, Accountant General’s Department 2002 – 2008, Belmopan Sub Treasury

➢ Acting Finance Officer – 2008 – December 2010, Belmopan Sub Treasury

➢ Administrative Assistant – retroactive 2009, Belmopan Sub Treasury January 2011 – March 11, 2014, National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Integrated Disaster Risk Management Project Unit, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank

➢ Administrative Assistant – March 2014 – July 2017, Western Regional Hospital

➢ Finance Officer – July 2017 – October 2017, Western Regional Hospital

October 2017 – December 27th, 2022, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, former Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, The Environment and Sustainable Development.

Live by Life Quotes: The true test of a man’s character is what he does, when no one is looking. (John Wooden) Fear Jehovah God not man.