Rita Louise Thompson Matute

Rita Thompson Matute was born on October 27th, 1972, in Belize City to Gilroy and Olivia Thompson, she was the second of six children.
A child of the southside, she attended Wesley Primary School and later Wesley College. Whilst attending Belize Technical College, motherhood stepped in, and after the birth of her son, she decided to step into the work force to better provide for her child.
She walked into the doors of the Customs and Excise Department on 10th June 1991 and has spent her entire public service career there.
During her 35+ years in the department, she has had the opportunity to work all over the country including, Belize City, Corozal, Benque Viejo, San Pedro and the Phillip Goldson Intl Airport.
Life as a public servant is by means an easy task, especially for young families, as transfers can have disastrous effects on a family structure. She thanks her family, especially her mom (now deceased) for taking the journey with her and making it easier to handle.
She prides herself in being a team player and believes that through all things we should remain humble in our service to the public.
She has enjoyed watching the strides women are now making in leadership capacities, not only in the public service, but also in the private sector, proof that we have moved away from being mere guests at the table. We are now contributing stakeholders in decision making, shaping a new horizon for women in the workforce.